goon squad

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of goon squad

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

As if the normal makeovers on This Morning weren’t all Boohoo explosions presided over by a playsuit-clad stylist goon squad who want to scorch the earth until there is only crushed velvet left.

From The Guardian • Apr. 4, 2019

All the people in these three Lou-related stories have been mugged by the goon squad of Ms. Egan’s title.

From New York Times • Jun. 21, 2010

Each narrative disorientation and subsequent reorientation reminds us of how we weave in and out of one another's lives, staying connected through memory--our shield against the goon squad.

From Time • Jun. 17, 2010

He is, of course, "faster than a speeding ticker tape, more powerful than a goon squad, able to leap loopholes in a single bound."

From Time Magazine Archive

“Him and his goon squad are jerks,” Hena replies.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh