bruiser

Plural: bruisers

Noun

• A large, strong, and often aggressive person.
• a large and strong and heavyset man
  • "a thick-skinned bruiser ready to give as good as he got"
• In contact sports, an athlete whose size, strength, and/or aggressiveness make it likely that they will cause athletes on the opposing team to suffer physical punishment.
• A tall, strong, heavily built person, usually a man, especially one prone to physical violence; a strong and tough person.
• A machine for bruising oats.
• A person who enjoys arguing with others.
• A professional boxer.

Examples

• His "assistant" was a big bruiser named Pete, who, with his enormous shoulders and menacing scowl, was clearly present for the intimidation factor.
• The BRUISER of the Words With Friends league always played aggressive, high-scoring moves.

Synonyms

bull, Samson, strapper, thug