cuffe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral (both formal and informal, depending on context)
Quick answer
What does “cuffe” mean?
The end part of a sleeve, fitting closely around the wrist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The end part of a sleeve, fitting closely around the wrist; a band or fold at the end of a sleeve. Also, a light blow given with an open hand.
Can refer to a turned-up fold at the bottom of trouser legs, a handcuff, a financial deposit, or a part of a glove that covers the wrist. As a verb, it means to strike with an open hand or to put handcuffs on someone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'turn-ups' on trousers is common, while 'cuffs' is standard in American English. The verb 'to cuff' (strike) is more common in American English. 'Off the cuff' (impromptu) is equally used in both.
Connotations
The clothing sense is neutral. 'Cuffed' (struck) can imply minor, informal punishment or a playful hit. 'To be cuffed' (arrested) is informal/police jargon.
Frequency
The noun (sleeve/trouser part) is high-frequency. The verb/arrest sense is medium-frequency, mainly in crime/legal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cuffe” in a Sentence
cuff someone (verb, strike)cuff someone to something (verb, restrain)have frayed cuffs (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cuffe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The officer had to cuff the suspect.
- He playfully cuffed his friend on the shoulder.
American English
- The suspect was cuffed and read his rights.
- She cuffed the dog gently for chewing the shoe.
adverb
British English
- He answered off the cuff, without any notes.
- The speech was delivered entirely off the cuff.
American English
- She made some off-the-cuff remarks that were later criticized.
- He's good at thinking off the cuff.
adjective
British English
- He wore cuff links to the formal dinner.
- The trousers had a neat cuff at the bottom.
American English
- He bought a new pair of cuff links.
- His jeans had a worn cuff from dragging on the ground.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in 'off-the-cuff remark' meaning an unplanned comment in a meeting.
Academic
Rare, except in historical/sociological texts describing dress or police procedures.
Everyday
Common for describing clothing ('Your cuff is dirty') or informal action ('She cuffed him on the ear').
Technical
Used in tailoring, fashion design, and law enforcement (handcuffs).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cuffe”
- Using 'cuff' to mean 'fist' or 'punch' (a cuff is an open-handed strike).
- Confusing 'cuff' (clothing) with 'cuff' (restraint) in translation.
- Misspelling as 'cuffe' (archaic/name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has several meanings: part of a sleeve/trouser, a light blow, a handcuff, and is part of idioms like 'off the cuff'.
'Handcuff' is more specific to the restraining device. 'Cuff' can mean handcuff, especially in police jargon ('to cuff someone'), but also has other meanings.
Yes, as a verb it means to strike lightly with an open hand, or to put handcuffs on someone.
It is an American English idiom meaning 'on credit', but it is somewhat dated. The more common idiom is 'off the cuff' (impromptu).
The end part of a sleeve, fitting closely around the wrist.
Cuffe is usually neutral (both formal and informal, depending on context) in register.
Cuffe: in British English it is pronounced /kʌf/, and in American English it is pronounced /kʌf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “off the cuff (without preparation)”
- “cuff link”
- “on the cuff (on credit, AmE informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CUFF as something that CUts oFF the end of your sleeve.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRAINT IS A CUFF (e.g., 'cuffed by regulations'), IMPROVISATION IS OFF-THE-CUFF.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'cuff' mean in the sentence: 'The detective cuffed the suspect to the radiator'?