goon squad: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘goon squad’ mean?
The idiom "goon squad" refers to a group of aggressive and intimidating individuals who work together to enforce an agenda, often involving coercion or violence.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "team up" means to collaborate or work together with others, usually with the goal of achieving a common purpose or objective.
The idiom "kick out" means to forcefully make someone leave or expel them from a place or a group, often due to misbehavior or non-compliance with rules.
The idiom "kick butt" means to take strong, decisive action or to defeat someone or something decisively. It is often used to describe a forceful or aggressive manner of accomplishing a task or overcoming an obstacle.
The idiom "kick ass and take names" means to be assertive, powerful, and confident in one's actions, often implying the defeat or domination of others.
The idiom "kick ass" means to succeed or complete a task energetically and with great force or efficiency. It implies taking decisive action and achieving significant results.
The idiom "junkyard dog" refers to someone who is fiercely protective and aggressive in defending their territory or interests. It conveys the idea of toughness and tenacity, often used to describe individuals who are always ready to fight back or stand up for themselves.
The idiom "join forces" means to unite or collaborate with someone or a group of people to achieve a common goal or objective.
The idiom "hired muscle" refers to a person or group of individuals who are employed to use force or intimidation to achieve a specific goal or objective. They are typically hired by someone to protect their interests or to carry out illegal or violent activities on their behalf.
The idiom "hired gun" refers to a person who is hired to perform a specific task, often of a questionable or morally ambiguous nature, such as providing professional services, especially those involving violence or illegal activities, in exchange for payment.
Mysterious Power
The idiom "goon squad" originated in America in the 1920s. It is used to describe a group of aggressive individuals who work together, often for nefarious purposes. The word "goon" originally referred to a hired thug or heavy in a criminal organization.
The word "goon" has an interesting origin. It is believed to have come from the comic strip "Popeye" created by E.C. Segar in the 1920s. In the strip, there was a character named Alice the Goon, a giant female creature with immense strength and obedience. This character became popular, and her name was adopted as a nickname for hired thugs.
The term "goon squad" gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, especially in countercultural circles. It was often used to refer to aggressive or oppressive groups of police officers. The idiom became even more well-known with the release of the punk rock band The Clash's song "Guns of Brixton," where they mention the goon squad taking over.
Today, "goon squad" is used in various contexts, both literally and figuratively. It can refer to a group of people who intimidate or engage in unlawful activities. It is often associated with violence, criminal behavior, or oppressive actions. In a more metaphorical sense, it can also describe a group of individuals who act as enforcers or perform dirty work for someone else.
The usage and associations of "goon squad" have evolved over time, making it a widely recognized phrase used in both informal and formal settings. Like many idioms, its meaning may vary depending on the context. However, the general sense of a demanding and intimidating group remains consistent.
Now, let's take a closer look at how "goon squad" is related to other idioms:
The idiom "gang up" is closely related to "goon squad." When people "gang up," they come together as a group to intimidate or overpower someone. This is similar to how a goon squad operates, working together to achieve their objectives.
"gang up on" is another idiom closely related to "goon squad." When people "gang up on" someone, they collectively attack or criticize that person. A goon squad may also "gang up on" their target, overwhelming them with force or intimidation.
Another related idiom is "hired gun." This phrase refers to someone who is hired to perform dangerous or illegal tasks. A goon in a goon squad can be seen as a "hired gun," carrying out the dirty work for the group.
Lastly, "team up" is an idiom that can also be connected to "goon squad." When people "team up," they join forces to work together towards a common goal. Similarly, a goon squad is a team of individuals collaborating towards their collective objectives.
Exploring the history and usage of idioms like "goon squad" allows us to delve into the colorful and ever-evolving nature of language and its expressions. It provides us with a snapshot of the cultural, social, and historical contexts in which these phrases emerge and evolve. While we may never have a complete understanding of every idiom's origins or its precise connotations, the journey of exploration enables us to appreciate the richness and complexity of the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *goon squad* can be used in a sentence:
- The security team was prepared to handle any disruptions with their goon squad.
- He didn't stand a chance against the goon squad of bullies.
- The politician surrounded himself with a goon squad of loyal supporters.
More "Slang" idioms
