plugugly

[ pluhg-uhg-lee ]

noun

, Informal.

, plural plug·ug·lies.

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."

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Project Gutenberg