cuff in English
- cuff⇄cuff (1), noun.
1. a band around the wrist, either attached to a sleeve or separate.
Ex. His shirt cuffs got wet when he didn't pull his sleeves up to wash.
2. a turned-up fold around the bottom of a trouser leg.
3. the part of a - cuff⇄cuff (2), verb, noun.
- cuff⇄expr. off the cuff, without preparation; impromptu; offhand.
Ex. Only ... where he spoke completely off the cuff did he seem to be establishing any great rapport with his audience (Wall Street Journal). - cuff⇄expr. on the cuff, on credit.
Ex. Epidemic living on the cuff is costing Americans more than a penny or two (Wall Street Journal). - cuff⇄noun a hit with the hand.
- cuff⇄v.t. to hit with the hand; slap.
Ex. The older boy ducked in surprise as the little boy tried to cuff him on the ear.
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Cuff
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/kʌf/
Definitions
- Noun: A part of a shirt sleeve that fits around the wrist, often fastened with a cufflink or button.
- Noun: A fold or a band, especially on a sleeve or pants.
- Verb: To strike with an open hand, especially on the head or ear.
- Verb: To fold back the edge of a sleeve, pant leg, etc., to create a cuff.
Usage Examples
- He adjusted the cuff of his shirt before leaving for the meeting.
- She was cuffed on the ear by her mother when she misbehaved.
- The tailor recommended folding the cuff of the trousers to make them look neater.
Etymology
The word "cuff" comes from Middle English "coff," meaning a wristband or a fold. It is of uncertain origin, but is likely related to the Old French "coffe," meaning a bag or pouch, possibly referring to the way the fabric folds over at the wrist. It has been used to refer to both the folded edge of garments and the action of striking since at least the 16th century.
Synonyms
- Wristband
- Fold
- Band
- Manacle (in context of restraining cuffs)
Antonyms
- Unfold
- Loose
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| French | Poignet | /pwajɛ/ |
| Spanish | Puño | /ˈpuno/ |
| German | Ärmelbündchen | /ˈɛʁməlˌbʏntçən/ |
| Italian | Polsino | /polˈsino/ |
| Chinese | 袖口 | /xiùkǒu/ |
| Japanese | カフ | /kafu/ |
| Arabic | أساور | /ʔasaːwir/ |
| Hindi | कफ | /kaf/ |
| Telugu | కఫ్ | /kaf/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In some English dialects, the word "cuff" may be pronounced with a slightly different emphasis on the vowel sound, such as /kʌf/ or /kəf/ depending on regional accents.
- In some parts of the UK, "cuff" may be used more casually to refer to the wristband of any shirt, even outside formal dress contexts.
Historical Usage
The term "cuff" has been in use since at least the 14th century. It referred to both a wrist covering and a fold of fabric. In historical usage, cuffs were a prominent feature of medieval and Renaissance fashion, often elaborate and large. The modern-day cuff, while less elaborate, remains a significant element of shirts, especially in formal dress. Cuffs were historically used for both practical and decorative purposes, with cufflinks becoming a prominent accessory in the 19th century.
Cultural Nuances
The concept of the "cuff" varies by culture. In some cultures, cufflinks are a symbol of status and sophistication, often seen in formal gatherings, weddings, and business settings. In other contexts, cuffs can represent a more utilitarian aspect of clothing, as seen in workwear or uniforms. The practice of "cuffing" as in striking or hitting someone is seen in various forms across cultures, often in disciplinary contexts or as an idiomatic expression for a mild rebuke.
More Information
The cuff is an important part of shirt design, contributing both function and fashion. It helps keep the sleeves in place, especially in formal or professional settings. Additionally, it is an area where one can add a personal touch, such as with cufflinks or embroidery. Over the centuries, the cuff has evolved from a simple utilitarian piece of clothing to a sophisticated fashion statement. Today, cuffs continue to be a key component of dress shirts, with variations in design reflecting both personal style and cultural preferences.