Part of the Russian speech was borrowed from foreign languages during the period of active expansion, after which it was dispersed among the people and acquired many original interpretations. But only some of the meanings are in demand among carriers, and therefore gain recognition. Other meanings go to slang or become regional. This “cuff”, well known to representatives of all generations, demonstrates well. What is hidden behind a short word, about which most Russians do not even suspect?
Southern roots
Statements usually include a colloquial term in situations where beatings need to be discussed. Although there is an alternative version. And both came from the Turkic languages:
- tuqmaq - punch;
- tumaq - fur hat.
The first is considered colloquial and basic. It has been used for many generations in the very specific context of an upcoming or past fight. The second remained at the regional level and indicates hats.
Little known facts
The average man is pretty surprised to look into the dictionaries. For example, in zoology the meaning of the word “tumak” is a synonym for “tuna”, they are interchangeable and equally understandable to professionals. The same science once deduced a special genus of the same name ferrets. This fact leads to less common decryption:
- foolish man;
- hybrid, cross;
- tinted hare fur;
- treukh, hat with ears.
Variant with specialized fur, it is rarely heard. But the "hybrid" gave the name to many interspecies crossbreeds, among which the pairs became especially popular:
- hares, roe and white hare;
- ferret with mink;
- thoroughbred dog and wolf.
Various duets are permissible, although other names are usually used with respect to them. Allegorically, the speaker can offend the interlocutor, indicating his dubious origin and, as a result, an insufficient level for decent people to be in the circle.
Everyday communication
How not to get confused in many meanings? Most of the phrases where there is a “cuff” are everyday conversations. Most likely, we are talking about slaps or beatings. The context is not the best, in its framework the concept serves as a warning or informs about the danger.
On the other hand, because of the less common interpretations, it is worth adding to the vocabulary and remembering. Of course, you will not immediately remember hybridization or the colored hare, but you will not get lost when communicating on slang. It is possible that a friend is trying to tell you about the origin of a charming puppy or explain the strange cheapness of an exotic fur headgear of outlandish colors.