Re: Urdu words in English language
From my understanding, the original word was ٹھگ or “thuggee” and referred to an organized gang of professional thieves that was known to rob and kill travelers in particular. The “thuggee” would join travelers and gain their confidence and travel with them a bit and then ambush and kill their victims, rather like British tradition of the “highwayman.” Their trademark was killing their victims by strangulation with a handkerchief or noose. They would then proceed to rob their victims and dispose of the bodies.