Gang Meaning
Gang Definition & Usage
A group of individuals who associate for a common purpose, often with a negative or criminal connotation, or a tight-knit social group.
Examples
- "The police are cracking down on gang activity in the city."
- "He was born into a gang that ran the streets in the rough part of town."
- "The local gang was known for its involvement in illegal street racing."
- "She grew up in a tough neighborhood where gangs controlled everything."
- "The gang was caught smuggling drugs across the border."
To move or act in a group or collective manner.
Examples
- "They gang up on people who are weaker than them."
- "The workers decided to gang together and protest against the unfair working conditions."
- "Several kids ganged up and made fun of him at school."
- "The team has been ganging up to create a new strategy for the game."
- "The fans ganged up outside the stadium to catch a glimpse of the star player."
A group of animals, often used for certain species like fish or birds.
Examples
- "A gang of ducks gathered by the lake."
- "I saw a gang of seagulls fighting over some food."
- "The gang of coyotes howled at the moon from the hilltop."
- "A gang of bees was buzzing around the garden."
- "A gang of monkeys was causing trouble near the village."
Cultural Context
The word 'gang' has evolved over time. It originally referred to a group of people or a journey in Old English, but its meaning has become more associated with organized crime or street groups. Today, the term is used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation. In modern times, 'gang' can be used to refer to groups of friends, teams, or even collective efforts in non-criminal contexts, though the criminal connotation remains prevalent.
The Unlikely Gang
Story
The Unlikely Gang
It was a chilly evening when Mike found himself walking through the city streets, lost in thought. A small group of people stood near the corner of the park, laughing and joking with each other, clearly enjoying each other's company. It was a gang, but not the kind most people feared. Mike had once been part of a rougher gang, the kind that dealt in shady business, but he had left that life behind years ago. Now, as he approached, he couldn't help but notice how different these people were. They were a gang in the sense that they stuck together, but their bond was based on mutual respect and support, not crime. They had a shared purpose: to help each other through difficult times. Despite their differences, they had found a sense of unity that transcended social norms. “Hey Mike, you’re back! Thought we’d seen the last of you,” one of them called out. It was Sarah, the quiet one of the group, but always the first to help anyone in need. Mike smiled, shaking his head. “I’m done with gangs. The ones I was part of—well, they weren’t like this. This is something real.” Sarah laughed. “Not all gangs are bad. This one’s about sticking together, no matter what.” The group spent the evening talking about their plans to raise money for a community center, something that had been missing in their neighborhood for years. Mike felt something stir inside him, a warmth he hadn’t felt in a long time. These people had made something good out of a concept he once thought only represented violence and crime. In this gang, everyone mattered. As the night ended, Mike realized that the word 'gang' had changed for him. No longer did it symbolize the danger and darkness of his past, but rather the strength of people coming together for a cause greater than themselves.
Related Words
