plugugly

[pluhg-uhg-lee]

noun

Informal.

plural

pluguglies 

1. a ruffian; rowdy; tough.

Word History and Origins

Origin of plugugly¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; plug + ugly

Example Sentences

And Pearl Bergoff, who in better days made millions renting plugugly strike breakers in carload lots to U. S. employers, had observed, according to a G-Man witness: "If I am guilty, Mr. Rand is equally guilty."

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Higginbotham flew away in it, while that plugugly who damaged our airplane and whom Bob couldn’t locate worked the radio for him.”

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