What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Cuff vs Sock - What's the difference?

cuff | sock | Related terms |

In transitive terms the difference between cuff and sock

is that cuff is to hit, as a reproach, particularly with the open palm to the head; to slap while sock is to hit or strike violently.

In intransitive terms the difference between cuff and sock

is that cuff is to fight; to scuffle; to box while sock is to deliver a blow.

cuff

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) cuffe, .

Noun

(en noun)
  • (obsolete) glove; mitten.
  • The end of a shirt sleeve that covers the wrist.
  • The end of a pants leg, folded up.
    • Related terms
    * cufflinks * turnup * off-the-cuff

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To furnish with cuffs.
  • To handcuff.

    • Etymology 2

    1520, “to hit”, apparently of (etyl) origin, from (etyl) . More at (l), (l), (l).

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To hit, as a reproach, particularly with the open palm to the head; to slap.
  • * Shakespeare
    • I swear I'll cuff you, if you strike again.
  • * Dryden
    • They with their quills did all the hurt they could, / And cuffed the tender chickens from their food.
  • To fight; to scuffle; to box.
  • * Dryden
    • While the peers cuff to make the rabble sport.
  • To buffet.
  • * Tennyson
    • cuffed by the gale

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A blow, especially with the open hand; a box; a slap.
  • * Spenser
    • Snatcheth his sword, and fiercely to him flies; / Who well it wards, and quitten cuff with cuff.
  • * Hudibras
    • Many a bitter kick and cuff .

    sock

    English

    (wikipedia sock)

    Etymology 1

    * From (etyl) socke, sokke, sok, from (etyl) .

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • A knitted or woven covering for the foot
  • A shoe worn by Greco-Roman comedy actors
  • A violent blow, punch
  • A shortened version of (Internet) sock puppet
    • "For enemies near are enemies known though socks are a bother he feels at last not alone " RationalWiki
  • (firearms, informal) a gun sock
    • Derived terms
    * bobby socks * knock somebody's socks off * sock hop * sock puppet
    References

    Etymology 2

    * Unknown, but compare Portuguese soco ("a hit with one's hand; a punch"). (en)

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To hit or strike violently
  • To deliver a blow
    • They may let you off the first time, but the second time they'll sock it to you. — James Jones
    Derived terms
    * sock away * sock in * sockdolager

    Etymology 3

    (etyl) soc, (lena) soccus, perhaps of Celtic origin.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A ploughshare.
    • English intransitive verbs English transitive verbs 1000 English basic words ----