I think the word “thug” was identified as a derogatory term for black men by the black race-baiters during the Trevon debacle. Previously, it was just a term for a thug of any race, with no racial component, but the Sharpton types decided to make hay by claiming anybody who referred to Travon (or any other black punk) as a “thug” was a racist. I refuse to let an illiterate criminal buffoon like Sharpton dictate my language.
I guess buffoon is a racist word now.