Cuff vs. Duck: Definitions, Uses, and Etymology

Cuff (noun/verb)

• Apparel: Folded or banded end of a sleeve, pant leg, glove, or boot covering the wrist or ankle.
• Handcuffs: Restraining device (law enforcement).
• Verb: Strike with open hand (cuff on the ear); secure with handcuffs.
• Medical: Blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer); endotracheal tube cuff.
• Etymology: Middle English cuffe (mitten, glove) → Old French coiffe (headdress).

Duck (noun/verb)

• Bird: Anatidae family; webbed feet, broad bill, waterproof plumage.
• Verb: Lower head/body quickly to avoid a blow or obstacle.
• Verb (extended): Evade, avoid (a question, responsibility, obligation).
• Cricket: Score of zero (duck's egg = 0).
• Building: Duck blind for hunting.
• Etymology: Old English dūce (diver) from dūcan (to dive/duck).

Idioms

• "Off the cuff" = improvised
• "Like water off a duck's back" = no effect
• "Sitting duck" = easy target
• "Duck soup" = easy task