How Do You Spell CUFF?

Pronunciation: [kˈʌf] (IPA)

The word "cuff" is spelled with the letters C-U-F-F, and is pronounced /kʌf/. The first sound is a "k" sound, followed by an "uh" sound, and ending with an "f" sound. The word refers to the part of a sleeve that encircles the wrist or ankle and is often turned back. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to strike with an open hand or to arrest someone. Proper spelling is essential in written communication, and a good grasp of phonetics can aid in pronunciation.

CUFF Meaning and Definition

  1. Cuff is a noun that refers to a folded-back and usually adjustable band, strip, or border typically located at the end of a sleeve or pant leg, designed to fit snugly around the wrist or ankle. It is commonly used in the context of clothing, especially shirts, blouses, jackets, and pants, where cuffs are often added as a finishing detail to enhance the garment's style and functionality. Cuffs are typically crafted from the same fabric as the rest of the garment and are sewn onto the edge to create a distinctive appearance.

    Additionally, cuff can also be a verb meaning to strike someone with an open hand, specifically by delivering a blow or slap to the side of the head. This definition is more informal and colloquial, often used in the context of physical altercations or in a metaphorical sense to describe reprimanding or disciplining someone, although it may carry negative connotations.

    The term "cuff" can also be used idiomatically, such as "to be taken into custody" or "to be arrested", which can convey the concept of being restrained or imprisoned by the hand or arm, as if one's hand was held in a handcuff. In this sense, it implies the confinement of freedom or movement. These idiomatic uses are often found in legal or law enforcement contexts.

  2. • To strike with the open hand.
    • A blow with the clenched hand or fist; a box or stroke.
    • To strike with the fist or clenched hand, or with wings, as a bird.
    • The part of a sleeve which flaps or claps back.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CUFF

Etymology of CUFF

The word "cuff" has a fairly straightforward etymology. It originated from the Old French word "coffin" or "cofyn", which referred to a glove or mitten. This Old French word was derived from Medieval Latin "cophinus", meaning "a basket". Over time, "coffin/cofyn" came to specifically refer to a glove's end, band, or cuff. Ultimately, the word "cuff" evolved from this origin and is currently used to describe the folded or turned-back part of a sleeve that usually covers the wrist area.

Idioms with the word CUFF

  • off the cuff The idiomatic expression "off the cuff" refers to something that is said or done spontaneously, without prior preparation or planning. It indicates a remark or action that is delivered without any forethought or rehearsal.
  • put sth on the cuff The idiom "put something on the cuff" refers to the act of buying something on credit or without immediate payment. It means to make a purchase and have the payment recorded to be settled later. This phrase is often used in informal or colloquial settings to describe a transaction where the buyer is allowed to carry a debt for a period of time.
  • on the cuff The idiom "on the cuff" is commonly used to describe something that is done or obtained on credit or without immediate payment. It typically refers to making a purchase or receiving a service without having the necessary funds at that moment, with the expectation of paying for it later.
  • speak off-the-cuff The idiom "speak off-the-cuff" means to speak spontaneously or without prior preparation, using one's own thoughts and words without relying on a script or notes. It refers to speaking in an impromptu manner, often in a casual or informal setting.
  • put something on the cuff The idiom "put something on the cuff" means to purchase something and promise to pay for it at a later time or to acquire something on credit without immediate payment. It implies making a transaction without having enough money on hand, with the expectation of settling the debt at a later date.
  • cuff Jonas
  • cuff quote

Similar spelling words for CUFF

Plural form of CUFF is CUFFS

Conjugate verb Cuff

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have cuffed
you would have cuffed
he/she/it would have cuffed
we would have cuffed
they would have cuffed

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been cuffing
you would have been cuffing
he/she/it would have been cuffing
we would have been cuffing
they would have been cuffing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would cuff
you would cuff
he/she/it would cuff
we would cuff
they would cuff

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be cuffing
you would be cuffing
he/she/it would be cuffing
we would be cuffing
they would be cuffing

FUTURE

I will cuff
you will cuff
he/she/it will cuff
we will cuff
they will cuff

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be cuffing
you will be cuffing
he/she/it will be cuffing
we will be cuffing
they will be cuffing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have cuffed
you will have cuffed
he/she/it will have cuffed
we will have cuffed
they will have cuffed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been cuffing
you will have been cuffing
he/she/it will have been cuffing
we will have been cuffing
they will have been cuffing

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s cuff

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was cuffing
you were cuffing
he/she/it was cuffing
we were cuffing
they were cuffing

PAST PARTICIPLE

cuffed

PAST PERFECT

I had cuffed
you had cuffed
he/she/it had cuffed
we had cuffed
they had cuffed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been cuffing
you had been cuffing
he/she/it had been cuffing
we had been cuffing
they had been cuffing

PRESENT

I cuff
you cuff
he/she/it cuffs
we cuff
they cuff

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am cuffing
you are cuffing
he/she/it is cuffing
we are cuffing
they are cuffing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

cuffing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have cuffed
you have cuffed
he/she/it has cuffed
we have cuffed
they have cuffed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been cuffing
you have been cuffing
he/she/it has been cuffing
we have been cuffing
they have been cuffing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it cuff

SIMPLE PAST

I cuffed
you cuffed
he/she/it cuffed
we cuffed
they cuffed

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