'fisticuffs' originates from the combination of 'fist' and 'cuff', where 'fist' refers to a closed hand and 'cuff' refers to a blow or strike.

'fisticuffs' evolved from the older English term 'fistycuff', which was used in the 17th century to describe a fight with fists.

Initially, it meant 'a blow with the fist', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a fight with fists'.