fisticuffs

British  

/ ˈfɪstɪˌkʌfs /

plural noun

1. combat with the fists

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Etymology

Origin of fisticuffs

C17: probably from fisty with the fist + _cuff ²

Explanation

Fisticuffs is the act of fighting, or boxing, with bare hands. A heated argument can sometimes end in fisticuffs, with both participants punching wildly at each other. If someone says to you, "Let's take this outside and settle it with some fisticuffs," it means you're likely to end up in a street scuffle. This seventeenth century word isn't too common these days, but it's a colorful way to say "fistfight." The word's form may imitate handiwork, or it might be based on the now-obsolete adjective fisty, "related to the fists," combined with the verb cuff, or "hit."

Example Sentences

The two men constantly circle each other, two clicks away from West Side Story–style fisticuffs.

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2025

The rest of the gang seems a bit lost, haplessly scattered about the globe, getting into pointless fisticuffs with each other.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2023

The scenery is quite striking, but the action is mostly routine and lazy, with fake-outs, fisticuffs and a pre-teen in danger.

From Salon • May 12, 2023

But for “Champion,” he had to choreograph fisticuffs and make them look convincing without anyone getting hurt.

From New York Times • Apr. 28, 2023

A still, small voice reminded me to return good for evil, reminded me that my plans for the future do not include fisticuffs or expulsion.

From "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes