brass knuckles

noun

1. a band of metal with four holes that fits over the upper fingers and that is gripped when a fist is made, used for increasing the effect of a blow with the fist.

Word History and Origins

Origin of brass knuckles¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

He was punched in the face with brass knuckles and then stabbed in the chest, according to Fraijo.

From Los Angeles Times

A Los Angeles police officer was charged Thursday with stealing brass knuckles and other weapons and tampering with evidence during enforcement stops carried out by an scandal-plagued gang unit, prosecutors said.

From Los Angeles Times

Small groups of extremists, some members sporting brass knuckles, showed up at one farmers’ demonstration last month in the southern city of Montpellier.

From Seattle Times

“She had on rings that were pretty much equivalent to brass knuckles.”

From Los Angeles Times

One source described the item as a knife with brass knuckles as its handle.

From Los Angeles Times

About This Word

What else does brass knuckles mean?

Brass knuckles are a piece of metal designed to fit around the fingers by the lower knuckles and gripped by the hand. They can pack a powerful, potentially lethal punch.

How do you pronounce brass knuckles?

[ bras nuhk–uhls ]

Where does brass knuckles come from?

Brass knuckles can be made out of a variety of materials. Though most notably made from hard brass, as their name suggests, the hand-held weapon can also be made from steel, iron, lead, wood, and even plastic.

An early form of brass knuckles was the ancient Roman caestus. Gladiators would wrap their knuckles in leather and affix metal studs, iron plates, and even spikes. Japanese martial artists have used a brass knuckles-like weapon called the tekko, made of wood or metal.

Brass knuckles were in use by armies by at least the 18th century. They were distributed by the U.S. military for soldiers during the Civil War; Abraham Lincoln’s bodyguard even had one. During World War I and II, soldiers used variants fixed with knives for some extra force in hand-to-hand combat. Others have even made versions with guns.

Brass knuckles are currently illegal in over 20 countries. Though not outlawed by the U.S. federal government, a number of cities and states have banned them, including New York. Where legal, the purchaser often has to be over 18 and illegal possession can earn jail time. People have been beaten to death just from brass knuckles alone.

Brass knuckles have long been associated with gangsters, pimps, and felons. There’s even been a crime movie made in the 1920s called Brass Knuckles. Fast forward to 2008, when Angelina Jolie sported them in the action thriller Wanted. Professional wrestler William Regal notably had a move called the Power of the Punch, in which he “hits” his opponent while wearing brass knuckles.

Thanks to their down-and-dirty past, brass knuckles have developed a “badass” image, lending them as a fashion statement everywhere from the hip-hop to the hardcore scene. Some are bedizened with jewels or ornamental skulls, worn on necklaces, belt buckles, and shoes, or adorned on cars.

They’re also feminized versions, with takes on brass knuckles stylized into large rings. Many books have used brass knuckles in their titles to signify toughness, as have many brands.

How is brass knuckles used in real life?

Rather than being treated delicately or censored, as its opposite kid gloves suggests, brass knuckles implies getting tough, literally or figuratively. Often people reference brass knuckles as if to say “Let’s get shit done.”

Outside their use as a dirty add-on in a street fight, brass knuckles are also appreciated as a fashion aesthetic and accessory, especially to symbolize strength and resilience.

More examples of brass knuckles:

“Springfield man accused of using brass knuckles in fight with brother at Walmart”
—Parker Perry, Springfield News-Sun (headline), June, 2018

Note

This content is not meant to be a formal definition of this term. Rather, it is an informal summary that seeks to provide supplemental information and context important to know or keep in mind about the term’s history, meaning, and usage.