The term "trigger men" describes individuals hired to commit violent acts on behalf of another person, typically in organized crime. The word is spelled using the phonetic transcription system known as IPA, which helps to properly represent the sounds of spoken language. In IPA, the word is spelled /ˈtrɪɡə ˌmɛn/, with a long "i" sound in "trigger" and a short "e" sound in "men." The word is a compound noun formed by combining "trigger," meaning the mechanism that activates a firearm, and "men," referring to male individuals.
Trigger men is a plural noun that refers to individuals, usually hired or organized by criminal organizations, who carry out violent acts or assassinations on behalf of others. Derived from the word "trigger," which signifies the action of pulling a gun's trigger to discharge a bullet, and "men," referring to people of any gender, this term specifically outlines individuals who are assigned the role of pulling the trigger as part of their criminal duties.
Trigger men are often used in organized crime scenarios, where they are contracted or recruited for their proficiency in firearms and their willingness to engage in acts of violence. Their primary responsibility is to execute premeditated acts of violence, such as murders, hits, or targeted attacks, typically against specific individuals or rival factions. Their selection is often based on a combination of expertise in handling firearms, discretion, loyalty to their employer, and a propensity for violence.
Trigger men operate in a clandestine manner, concealing their true identity and affiliation to minimize the risk of being apprehended or traced back to those who hired them. They may employ various means to disguise their appearance, including masks or disguises, to further distance themselves from the crime they commit.
Due to their involvement in illegal activities and their willingness to commit acts of violence, trigger men are considered highly dangerous individuals and are pursued by law enforcement agencies. Investigations targeting trigger men often aim to dismantle criminal networks and identify those who orchestrated or commissioned the violent acts.
The term "trigger man" originated in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly within the context of organized crime during the Prohibition era. The word "trigger" refers to the mechanism on a firearm that is pulled to discharge a bullet, while "man" refers to a male individual. Therefore, a "trigger man" is someone who performs the act of pulling the trigger of a gun, usually carrying out an assassination or contract killing on behalf of a criminal organization. The etymology of the term is fairly straightforward, combining the words "trigger" and "man" to describe the specific role or action undertaken by an individual in criminal circles.