goonism

Noun

goonism (uncountable)

1. (Kenya, especially) The practice of acting like a goon or thug.
   • Number three varies from the above in that he goons one at a time. This focus of attention makes him particularly vicious. He runs the gamut of goonism. This type is the Chumogoonus. He features an ungodly combination of kibitzism, moochism, and general rumpishness.[1938, Carl Pugh, “The Life and Functions of The Goon”, in The Carolina Buccaneer, volume XIV, number 6, Chapel Hill, N.C.: University of North Carolina, page 8, column 3
   • If decontrol is permitted by Albany, it will unleash a wave of goonism and racketeering that will cause untold misery.1955 February 4, S. Goodman, “Decontrol of Rents Opposed”, in The New York Times (Letters to The Times section), volume CIV, number 35451, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, published 15...
2. (Kenya) The use of hired thugs for political intimidation and violent disruption.
3. The habit of acting in an intimidating or rough way towards opponents.
   • In the mid-'70s, Dad began to speak out publicly about unnecessary violence in the game. This was the heyday of goonism.1991, Brett Hull, Brett: Shootin' and Smilin', Scarborough, Ont.: Prentice-Hall Canada Inc., →ISBN, page 156