How to pronounce fisticuff
Say it like FIS-tih-kuhf. Fisticuff has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce fisticuff. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FIS
- tih
- kuhf
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Fisticuff pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kuhfGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of fisticuff
American and British speakers say fisticuff in essentially the same way: /ˈfɪstɪˌkʌf/ in the US and /ˈfɪstɪˌkʌf/ in the UK.
British respelling: FIS-tih-kuhf.
What does fisticuff mean?
- A fistfight.
- To engage in a physical fight.
Where does fisticuff come from?
From fist + cuff (“blow with the hand”).
Questions about saying fisticuff
How do you pronounce fisticuff?
Say FIS-tih-kuhf. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɪstɪˌkʌf/. In British English it is /ˈfɪstɪˌkʌf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fisticuff?
Fisticuff has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIS). Broken into parts: FIS · tih · kuhf.
Do Americans and Brits say fisticuff the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfɪstɪˌkʌf/ and the British form is /ˈfɪstɪˌkʌf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.