This week’s theme
Words originating in the hand

This week’s words
palmate
two-fisted
pugilism
cack-handed
manuduction

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(TOO-fis-tuhd, too-FIS-)

MEANING:

adjective:
1. Tough; aggressive.
2. Energetic; enthusiastic.
3. Using both hands.

ETYMOLOGY:

The term describes someone using both hands, literally or figuratively, where a clenched fist alludes to vigor, resolve, etc. From two, from Old English twa (two) + fist, from Old English fyst (fist). Earliest documented use: 1774. Also see ironfisted, clutchfist, and hardfisted.

USAGE:

“So why would any red-blooded, two-fisted guy hesitate to bubble up?”
Jim Beckerman; It’s Time Men Discover Bubble Baths, Says Wayne Entrepreneur; The Poughkeepsie Journal (New York); Dec 8, 2020.

“Ms. Kelton is a two-fisted writer and there is a lot to like in her rousing call to action.”
Ian McGugan; Is Modern Monetary Theory Revolutionary or Imaginary?; The Globe and Mail (Toronto, Canada); Sep 19, 2020.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: