Fist to cuff

Posted by Bob on August 31, 2000

In Reply to: Fist to cuff posted by Ginny Quinn on August 31, 2000

: Where did that phrase originate

The word "fisticuffs" dates back to the early 17th century, combining "fistic" (related to fighting with the fists) and "cuff" which (still) means a punch. Fisty cuffs became fisticuffs, a fist fight.