Pronunciation: [ɡˈaŋstəz] (IPA) 
The word "gangsters" is spelled with a "g" sound at the beginning, followed by an "a" pronounced as "æ" in the IPA. The next sound is a nasal "ng" sound, pronounced as "ŋ" in the IPA. The following sound is an "s" sound, pronounced as "s" in the IPA. Finally, the word ends with a "t" sound pronounced as "tʃ" in the IPA. So, the correct phonetic transcription of "gangsters" is /ˈɡæŋstərz/.
Gangsters, also commonly referred to as mobsters, are individuals who engage in organized crime activities and typically belong to a criminal organization or gang. The term "gangster" is often associated with a particular era, specifically the Prohibition era in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s when criminal activities such as bootlegging and smuggling thrived. However, gangsters can be found in various periods and locations throughout history.
Primarily involved in illegal activities, gangsters often participate in organized criminal enterprises that might include extortion, racketeering, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and gambling. They typically use intimidation, violence, and coercion to maintain control over their territories or businesses. Gangsters often have a hierarchical structure within their organizations, with a leader or boss at the top and various ranks underneath.
Popular culture has often depicted gangsters as flamboyant individuals who flaunt their wealth while simultaneously being engaged in notorious activities. These portrayals often highlight their distinctive dress style, such as tailored suits and hats, and their use of slang or distinctive dialects. Famous gangsters from history, such as Al Capone and John Gotti, have become symbols of this criminal underworld.
While gangsters are typically associated with illegal activities and violence, it is worth noting that their actions vary in severity and scope. Some gangsters may operate on a small scale, while others may exert significant influence in political and economic spheres. Nonetheless, the term "gangster" typically refers to individuals involved in criminal enterprises, organized crime, and a lifestyle marked by illicit activities.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "gangster" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. Its etymology is thought to derive from the Old English word "gang", which referred to a group of people acting together, often with a sense of wrongdoing or criminality. The addition of the suffix "-ster", commonly used to form agent nouns, gave rise to the term "gangster", which typically refers to a member of a gang involved in criminal activities. This term became associated with organized crime and individuals who engage in unlawful behavior as part of a group.
