noun
Street Slang
gorilla
guh-RIL-uh · noun · slang
A thief or thug who uses violence; a strong-arm man.
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Definitions
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A gorilla is a criminal who relies on brute force, whether to rob victims or to enforce for a gang. It stresses muscle over finesse.
“They sent a gorilla to collect the debt, and the shopkeeper paid on the spot.”
by community
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2
As a verb, to 'gorilla' someone is to strong-arm or intimidate them into handing over money or complying.
“They gorillaed the new inmate out of his commissary the first week.”
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gorilla In A Sentence
They sent a gorilla to collect the debt, and the shopkeeper paid on the spot.
They gorillaed the new inmate out of his commissary the first week.
Origin & Usage
American slang, early 20th century.
People Also Ask
What does 'gorilla' mean as slang?
It means a criminal or thug who relies on brute strength and violence to rob or intimidate, rather than on skill or trickery.
Can 'gorilla' be a verb?
Yes. To gorilla someone means to strong-arm, intimidate, or force them into handing over money or complying.
How is a gorilla different from a con man?
A gorilla uses muscle and force, while a con man or grifter uses wits and trickery. The gorilla emphasizes intimidation over finesse.
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