Why is it called put up your dukes?

The phrase "put up your dukes," meaning to prepare for a fight by raising one's fists, originates from Cockney rhyming slang, a form of English slang that replaces a common word with a rhyming phrase, then often drops the rhyming part of the phrase.

The Etymological Journey of "Dukes"

The word "dukes" as a term for fists stems from a clever linguistic evolution rooted in historical slang. Understanding this progression sheds light on how seemingly unrelated words become part of everyday language.

1. "Fork" as Slang for Hand or Fist

Historically, the word "fork" was used as slang to refer to a hand or, more specifically, a fist. This usage is not common today, but it laid the groundwork for the subsequent rhyming slang.

2. The Birth of "Dukes of York"

To create rhyming slang for "fork," the phrase "dukes of York" was coined. This phrase, referencing the noble title, rhymed perfectly with "fork." This is a classic example of rhyming slang where the new phrase completely replaces the original word.

3. Shortening to "Dukes"

Over time, as is common with many rhyming slang terms, the longer phrase "dukes of York" was shortened to just "dukes." The "of York" part was dropped, but the meaning of "fists" (derived from "fork") remained attached to "dukes."

This linguistic journey can be summarized as follows:

The Command to Fight

Therefore, instead of the literal and less impactful command "put up your forks" (meaning raise your hands/fists), the more vibrant and idiomatic "put up your dukes of York!" emerged. This was subsequently shortened to the concise and enduring "put up your dukes," which has become a widely recognized idiom for preparing for a physical confrontation.

This linguistic evolution highlights how slang can become embedded in common parlance, often obscuring its original, more literal roots. For more on the fascinating world of rhyming slang, explore resources on Cockney rhyming slang and the evolution of idioms.