Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

sucker punch

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.52 in modern English

Syllables
suck-er punch
IPA
24
Scrabble Score
11
Letters
2
Syllables
9
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

An unexpected punch or similar blow, on an opponent who is off guard or not active.

noun

A disabling punch targeting a place which is not normally acceptable in a "fair fight", such as on the back of the head.

noun

An unprovoked or unwarranted blow with the fist.

verb

To deliver an unexpected blow.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

American English, from sucker (“dupe”) + punch.

Usage

Inflected Forms

Phrases

coward punch king hit

Frequently Paired Words

coward punch haymaker king hit

Synonyms

Questions

What does sucker punch mean?
An unexpected punch or similar blow, on an opponent who is off guard or not active.
Where does sucker punch come from?
American English, from sucker (“dupe”) + punch.

How to pronounce sucker punch

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “sucker punch”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “sucker punch”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “sucker punch” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.