(no subject)

[pensnest]

Another quick vocabulary question: can I use 'goons', meaning 'gigantic bully boys'? Or is there a racist component to it? What might be some alternatives?

Comments

[chalcopyrite]

I am not aware of a racist shading to that word, but that proves nothing. "Thug" as an alternative?

[pensnest]

Good - thank you!

[scarlett-o.livejournal.com]

To my knowledge there's no racist connotation to 'goons.' I've normally heard goons in reference to hockey (bullies/enforcers on the ice) or a lot in reference to heavies in a mafia context, but I've also heard it in a lot of other contexts. I do think it could be a little dated (again depends on the context). Another option to consider would be 'thugs' although that can definitely take on a criminal connotation. Does that help?

[pensnest]

Excellent - I'm looking to use it in a mafia-like context, so I'm glad it works the way I thought it did. I've been writing in an American fandom for five years now, and I *still* get tripped up on vocabulary sometimes, so I like to check!

[scarlett-o.livejournal.com]

Glad I could help. :) There's nothing that throws me out of a story faster than something dialectical like that.

[scarlett-o.livejournal.com]

Also I'm totally in love with your icon. :D

[apologize.livejournal.com]

Love that icon ;)
I think it works in a mafia type context. As far as I can remember that's the only way I've seen it been used.