cuffs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal, with specific technical use in fashion/policing contexts.
Quick answer
What does “cuffs” mean?
The end parts of a sleeve that fit around the wrist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The end parts of a sleeve that fit around the wrist; also the thicker, turned-up ends of trousers; or handcuffs.
Figuratively, a restraint or limitation, or a decorative band. In slang, it can refer to being arrested or to the end of a pant leg (specifically in American English for trousers).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'turn-ups' refers to trouser cuffs; 'cuffs' is more for sleeves. In AmE, 'cuffs' is common for both trouser legs and sleeves. 'Off the cuff' (impromptu) is used in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'handcuffs' (shortened to 'cuffs') has strong law enforcement connotations. Trouser cuffs are more of a sartorial/style term.
Frequency
As a noun, roughly equal frequency. The verb form (to cuff someone) is less common and slightly more informal/AmE-influenced in police contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cuffs” in a Sentence
[VERB] + cuffs: wear, fasten, roll up, unbutton[ADJ] + cuffs: starched, frayed, monogrammed, adjustableVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cuffs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The officer decided to cuff the suspect after a brief struggle.
- He playfully cuffed his friend on the shoulder.
American English
- The cop cuffed him and read him his rights.
- She cuffed the dog gently on the nose to discourage barking.
adverb
British English
- N/A (cuffs is not used as an adverb).
American English
- N/A (cuffs is not used as an adverb).
adjective
British English
- This shirt has a cuff style that requires links.
- He wore cuff trousers to the formal event.
American English
- He prefers cuff jeans for a classic look.
- The cuff design on that blouse is intricate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in 'off-the-cuff remark' (unprepared comment).
Academic
Rare, except in historical/fashion studies discussing garment design.
Everyday
Common for clothing ('your cuffs are dirty') and law enforcement ('they put him in cuffs').
Technical
Used in tailoring, law enforcement (handcuffs), and medicine (blood pressure cuff).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cuffs”
- Using 'cuff' as a plural (incorrect: 'two cuff'; correct: 'two cuffs'). Confusing 'cuff' (clothing/restraint) with 'cough' (sound/illness).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring to the ends of sleeves or trousers, or to handcuffs, the plural form 'cuffs' is standard. The singular 'cuff' refers to one such item (e.g., a shirt cuff, a blood pressure cuff).
'Handcuffs' is the full, formal term. 'Cuffs' is a common informal shortening used especially in police and crime contexts (e.g., 'He was put in cuffs').
It means speaking or performing without preparation, spontaneously. It originates from the idea of speaking from notes written on one's shirt cuff.
Yes, but they are more specifically called 'turn-ups' in BrE. 'Cuffs' for trousers is understood but is more characteristic of American English.
The end parts of a sleeve that fit around the wrist.
Cuffs is usually neutral to informal, with specific technical use in fashion/policing contexts. in register.
Cuffs: in British English it is pronounced /kʌfs/, and in American English it is pronounced /kʌfs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “off the cuff (impromptu)”
- “cuff link”
- “shoot one's cuffs (to adjust shirt cuffs ostentatiously)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CUFFlink Fastening your Sleeve. Both 'cuff' and 'fasten' have 'f' sounds.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRAINT IS A CUFF (e.g., 'the regulations cuffed our creativity').
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'cuffs' NOT typically refer to a type of restraint?