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fisticuffs

/'fistikʌfs/
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Word: Fisticuffs

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Fisticuffs refers to fighting with your fists, especially when it happens without weapons. It is a way of saying that people are hitting each other using only their hands.

Usage Instructions:
  • Fisticuffs is usually used in a somewhat humorous or old-fashioned way. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it can be found in literature or movies that want to give a dramatic effect to a fight.
  • You can use it when describing a physical altercation where no tools or weapons are used, just the fighters' fists.
Example:
  • "The two boys got into a disagreement and ended up in a bit of fisticuffs on the playground."
Advanced Usage:
  • In more sophisticated writing, you might see fisticuffs used to describe conflicts in a more metaphorical sense, referring to any type of struggle or competition, not just physical fights.
Word Variants:
  • There are no direct variants of the word fisticuffs, but related terms include:
    • Fistfight (noun): A fight using fists.
    • Fistic (adjective): Pertaining to or involving fighting with fists.
Different Meanings:
  • Fisticuffs primarily retains its specific meaning related to physical fighting. It doesn’t have a different meaning outside of that context.
Synonyms:
  • Brawl: A noisy, rough fight.
  • Scrap: A minor fight or argument.
  • Altercation: A heated argument or confrontation (may not always involve physical fighting).
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
  • Throw down the gauntlet: To challenge someone to a fight or competition.
  • Fight tooth and nail: To fight fiercely or with great determination, not specifically with fists but can imply a struggle.
Summary:

Fisticuffs is a fun and slightly old-fashioned way to describe a fight using just fists. It’s best used in storytelling or when discussing physical disputes in a light-hearted way.

Noun
  1. fighting with the fists
  2. a fight with bare fists

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