Is it racist to use the word "thug"?

Question

Serious question. I don't use this word because to me it feels like it has racist connotations. But I've been hearing people use it a lot like it's the same as calling someone dumb. 
I'd like to be educated, can someone help? What does it mean exactly, and is it a racist term? Thank you.

Answer

any human, regardless of color, can be a thug. i have called lots of white boys thugs, because they act like they are. that said, sadly, in our society,  racist pieces of shit, will definitely associate the word thug, with a POC.

Answer

It has extremely racist connotations. I avoid using it too.

Answer

I don't think it is. Because anybody can be a thug. It doesn't have anything to do with someone's race. Imo. It's only racist if you say it to refer to one race only - instead of saying it to refer to a persons attitude/actions.

Answer

I’ve heard people refer to several races and ethnicities as thugs. So it never occurred to me to be racist. I could see how someone could take it that way.

Answer

I do not use it, and won't say the word itself is racist, but there's a bunch of other words that dontcarry as much negative, and racially, charged meaning. If I say I saw a thug, people don't think a skinny white ginger guy.
 
Hood rat is similar. I used that at one point, being under the impression that it meant it's definition and even though it's definition isn't referring to race it's generally affiliated with race and carries different weight than a "skank" or "slut" (words I don't use). Users were quick to call that out and now it's a no go word because sometimes it's more than just the definition, sometimes it goes deeper than that and is more nuanced.
http://www.rsdb.org/full
This site offers a huge list of things considered racial slurs:>. I went to it to learn and I suggest others do as well.

Answer

it is not racist but it's extremely rude

Is it racist to use the word "thug"?

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