Etymology Journal · K

Knuckle sandwich

Meaning

A slang term for a punch in the face. It is a sarcastic and tough way to tell someone they are about to get hit.

Tough, retro

Keep talking like that and you are going to get a knuckle sandwich.
He was acting like a bully until someone threatened him with a knuckle sandwich.
That movie character was famous for serving up a knuckle sandwich to the bad guys.

This is a classic bit of 1950s and 60s tough-guy slang. It frames a punch as a meal, implying that the recipient is being served a bit of violence.

Nationwide

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