cuff
B2Neutral to informal. Formal in specific contexts (e.g., 'rotator cuff', 'shirt cuff'). The verb 'to cuff' and phrase 'off the cuff' are informal.
Definition
Meaning
The part of a sleeve that fits around the wrist; or a band or ring worn around the wrist.
1. The turned-up fold at the bottom of a trouser leg. 2. A handcuff. 3. A light, informal blow with the open hand. 4. In anatomy, a structure encircling a part, e.g., the rotator cuff. 5. To strike someone lightly with an open hand.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has distinct, common meanings (clothing, handcuffs, a blow) that are semantically connected by the concept of encirclement or a band. The clothing sense often implies formality or detail.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'turn-ups' on trousers are common; 'cuffs' can also be used. In US English, 'cuffs' is the standard term for trouser bottoms.
Connotations
Similar across both variants. 'Cuff links' are more associated with formal dress.
Frequency
All core meanings are equally frequent in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cuff [someone] (verb)cuff [something] to [something]wear [something] on the cuffVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “off the cuff (impromptu, without preparation)”
- “on the cuff (on credit, informal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in 'off the cuff remark' (informal comment).
Academic
Specific in medical/anatomical contexts ('rotator cuff injury').
Everyday
Common for clothing and the idiom 'off the cuff'.
Technical
In law enforcement ('cuff the suspect'), medicine ('cuff pressure'), and tailoring.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The officer decided to cuff the suspect.
- She playfully cuffed him on the shoulder.
American English
- Cuff him and read him his rights.
- The mother cuffed the boy lightly on the ear.
adverb
British English
- This is not a standard adverbial form for 'cuff'.
American English
- This is not a standard adverbial form for 'cuff'.
adjective
British English
- He wore a smart cuff-link set.
- The cuff detail on the blouse was intricate.
American English
- He bought some new cuff links.
- The shirt had a French cuff style.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His shirt cuff was dirty.
- The police officer put cuffs on the man.
- She rolled up her cuffs to wash her hands.
- He made an off-the-cuff remark that surprised everyone.
- The tailor adjusted the cuffs on my new trousers.
- The suspect was cuffed and placed in the patrol car.
- His rotator cuff injury required extensive physiotherapy.
- The comedian's brilliant off-the-cuff responses delighted the audience.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CUFF as something that CUFFs (encircles) your wrist or ankle.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRAINT IS ENCIRCLEMENT (handcuffs), FORMALITY IS NEAT EDGES (shirt cuffs), SPONTANEITY IS UNPREPARED (off the cuff).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить "cuff" (удар) как "кулак" (fist).
- "Off the cuff" не имеет отношения к рукавам — это "экспромтом".
- "Cuff links" — это запонки, а не "ссылки".
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'cuff' (blow) with 'punch'.
- Using 'on the cuff' (credit) when meaning 'off the cuff' (impromptu).
- Misspelling as 'cough'.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'rotator cuff' refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Cuff' is the common, shorter term for 'handcuff', especially in police contexts ("Cuff him!"). 'Handcuff' is the full, formal term.
No, not directly. It's an idiom meaning 'spoken or done without preparation', originating from the idea of speaking from notes written on one's shirt cuff.
Yes, with two meanings: 1. To put handcuffs on someone. 2. To strike someone lightly with an open hand.
The term is used in both, but 'turn-ups' is a common British synonym. In American English, 'cuffs' is the standard term.