gangsta

noun, gang·sta often attributive \ˈgaŋ(k)-stə\

: a member of a street gang

: a person who performs gangsta rap music

Full Definition of GANGSTA

: a member of an urban street gang

: a performer of gangsta rap

See gangsta defined for English-language learners

alteration of gangster

First Known Use: 1988

Synonyms: bully, gangbanger, hoodlum, gangster, goon, gorilla, hood, hooligan, mobster, mug, plug-ugly, punk, roughneck, rowdy, ruffian, thug, tough, toughie (also toughy), yob [British], yobbo [British]

Next Word in the Dictionary: gangsta rapPrevious Word in the Dictionary: gang shagAll Words Near: gangsta

What made you want to look up gangsta? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears