Pronunciation: [θˈʌɡiː] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "thuggee" is often debated, with some arguing for the inclusion of an extra "g" to create "thugggee." However, according to IPA phonetic transcription, the correct spelling is without the double "g." The word originated in India and refers to a group of robbers and murderers who operated as a cult. The correct pronunciation is [thuh-g-ee], with a soft "g" sound, and stress on the first syllable.
Thuggee refers to a historical criminal fraternity that operated predominantly in India during the 19th century. The term originated from the Hindi word "thag," meaning a cheat or deceiver. Thuggee was a highly organized gang of professional criminals, known as "thugs," who specialized in acts of robbery, murder, and other violent crimes.
Thuggee members were united by a distinct modus operandi, religious rituals, and a hierarchical structure. They primarily targeted wealthy travelers, often traveling in groups, to ambush and murder them, proceeding to loot their belongings. The gang members were notorious for their ruthless strategies, using strangulation with a cloth called a "rumal" as their preferred method of killing, which allowed them to silently approach their victims without raising alarm.
The thuggee fraternity cultivated an intricate belief system, intertwining themselves with the Hindu Goddess Kali. They considered their acts as a form of religious sacrifice offered to Kali, seeking the deity's blessings and protection. This spiritual connection played a significant role in enabling their crimes, as they often disguised themselves as religious pilgrims to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims.
The British East India Company launched a proactive campaign to eradicate thuggee in the early 19th century, based on the efforts of the British officer William Henry Sleeman. The operation led to the apprehension and conviction of numerous thuggee leaders, effectively suppressing the criminal organization by the mid-19th century.
Today, the term "thuggee" is often used metaphorically to describe individuals or groups engaged in organized crime or violent activities, emphasizing their brutal and ruthless nature.
The practice and superstition of the Thugs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "thuggee" originated from the Hindi word "thag", which means "thief" or "deceiver". Thuggee refers to a form of organized criminal activity in India, specifically during the 14th to the 19th century, where members of a cult called Thugs would deceive and rob unsuspecting travelers. The English term "thuggee" was adopted from the Hindi word during British colonial rule in India, and it eventually entered the English language.
