gangsterish
Like a criminal boss
Gangsterish describes something reminiscent of gangsters—their style, manner, or attitude.
It suggests the swagger, menace, or flashy aesthetic associated with organized crime figures: He had a gangsterish way of talking out of the side of his mouth.
The word often carries a hint of theatricality, as if someone is playing at being tough rather than actually dangerous.
Organized crime member
- kingpinCriminal organization's leader
- racketeerOrganized crime participant
- extortionObtaining through threats
- syndicateCombined group pursuing shared interest
underworld · bootlegging · smuggling · heist · ringleader · enforcer · hitman · felony
Sicilian criminal organization
- omertàCriminal vow of silence
- godfatherMale baptismal guardian
- donPut on attire
- consigliereMafia boss's trusted counselor
underboss · made man · boss · family · Sicilian · vendetta · initiation · blood oath
Inspiring fear or unease
- muscleContractile body tissue
- enforcerOne who ensures compliance
- hardenedMade tough or unfeeling
- bruiserLarge, intimidating fighter
thug · menacing · ruthless · merciless · cold-blooded · unflinching · scarred · grizzled
Pretense of fearlessness
- cockinessBrash overconfidence
- strutProud, showy gait
- flashinessOstentatious showiness
- boldnessFearless readiness to act
panache · gold chains · pinstripe · slicked-back · showmanship · intimidation · menace · posturing
mobster
Organized crime member
- kingpinCriminal organization's leader
- racketeerOrganized crime participant
- extortionObtaining through threats
syndicate · underworld · bootlegging · smuggling · heist · ringleader · enforcer · hitman · felony · contraband
Cosa Nostra
Sicilian criminal organization
consigliere · underboss · made man · boss · family · Sicilian · vendetta · initiation · blood oath · wise guy
intimidating
Inspiring fear or unease
bruiser · thug · menacing · ruthless · merciless · cold-blooded · unflinching · scarred · grizzled · streetwise
bravado
Pretense of fearlessness
- cockinessBrash overconfidence
- strutProud, showy gait
- flashinessOstentatious showiness
boldness · panache · gold chains · pinstripe · slicked-back · showmanship · intimidation · menace · posturing · attitude
fedora
Soft creased felt hat
- smokyFilled with combustion haze
- alleyNarrow way between buildings
- shadowsDark areas from blocked light
gritty · trench coat · speakeasy · double-cross · dame · cigarette · neon · voiceover · cynical · hard-boiled
gangsterishlaw-abiding
Following established rules
lawful · upstanding · legitimate · honest · legal
gangsterishrespectable
Worthy of regard
upstanding · wholesome · honorable · virtuous · reputable