goon squad

noun

1. a group of hired thugs used to perform ruthless or violent acts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of goon squad¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The message said, "I’m surprised none of you wrote a letter on Danny Masterson’s behalf since your corny a** singer showed up to support him in the prelims. Remember Emily? Remember how your fellow Scientologist goon squad surrounded one of the Jane Doe’s when she was trying to leave the elevators? The court sheriffs had to escort her away from your awful cult."

From Salon

The Goon Squad came to national attention last year after Rankin County sheriff’s deputies tortured two Black men in their home and shot one of them in the face, nearly killing him.

From New York Times

Six officers, including three from the Goon Squad shift, pleaded guilty and were sentenced to federal prison in March.

From New York Times

In November 2019, the same year that the department came under review for three fatal shootings that involved Goon Squad members, the deputies discussed turning their work into a game: one point for every arrest.

From New York Times

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey has said he was not aware of the allegations of violence against his deputies over the years and that he did not know about the Goon Squad moniker.

From New York Times