One of an association of robbers and murderers in India who practiced murder by stealthy approaches, and from religious motives. They have been nearly exterminated by the British government.
Literally, deceiver. Worshippers of Kali who ritually murdered travelers, usually with a cloth scarf (thugee cord). (Hindi thag, thief)
Thugs (alternatively written "thugz"), in the hip-hop/gangsta rap sense, are persons who are ruthless and who will do whatever it takes to get what they want. The term also carries the connotation of living a rebellious life and being prone to operating outside the established status quo (particularly the law). It should be noted that the term "thug" derives from the Hindi word thag, referring to a member of a gang of murderers and robbers in India who strangled their victims.