The phrase "puts on the cuff" is often used to describe someone rolling up the sleeves of their shirt. The phonetic transcription of this phrase would read as /pʊts ɒn ðə kʌf/. This means that the initial sound in "puts" is a short "u" sound, and the "t" is pronounced with a glottal stop. The "o" in "on" is pronounced with an open back rounded vowel sound, and the final "f" in "cuff" is pronounced with a voiceless labiodental fricative.
"Put on the cuff" is an idiomatic expression used to describe an informal practice where someone acquires a good or service on credit, with the understanding that payment will be made at a later time. It typically refers to a situation where a transaction occurs without immediate cash exchange, instead relying on trust or personal relationships.
In this context, the term "cuff" is believed to have originated from the practice of a shopkeeper or clerk making a temporary note on the cuff of their shirt or jacket sleeve as a record of the transaction. This temporary note served as a reminder for both parties to settle the debt at a later date.
The expression can apply to various scenarios where informal credit is given, such as purchasing items at a local store without immediate payment or receiving services without upfront compensation. It implies a level of trust between the individual extending the credit and the person using it, as there is an expectation of eventual repayment.
The concept of "puts on the cuff" is reminiscent of a tab system, where a customer can accumulate charges over time and settle the total debt periodically. However, unlike a formal tab, this expression leans more towards an informal, casual arrangement that is often based on personal relationships and trust rather than a structured credit agreement.