Weird Word Wednesday- Pugilism
By Diana Bauder
@BloggerDi (3113)
United States
January 6, 2021 10:16pm CST
When I learned the definition of this word today, I was surprised. To me, it doesn't seem like a match for the sport of boxing. It sounds more like the name of strange, little-known religion or a rare way of dieting. "No thanks, I don't eat any carbs. I'm a strict pugilist." 
It made a little more sense when I read that "pugnus" is Latin for fist.
Looking up information about this unusual word brought back memories of watching Muhammad Ali fight in the late 1960's- early 70's. Boxing would not be my choice now, but I watched with my parents when I was a child.
Are any of you familiar with this word?
I added a video to aid in pronunciation.
It made a little more sense when I read that "pugnus" is Latin for fist.
Looking up information about this unusual word brought back memories of watching Muhammad Ali fight in the late 1960's- early 70's. Boxing would not be my choice now, but I watched with my parents when I was a child.
Are any of you familiar with this word?
I added a video to aid in pronunciation.
10 people like this
11 responses
@cherigucchi (14879)
• Philippines
7 Jan 21
First time I heard this word. Additional vocabulary
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (86520)
• United States
10 Jan 21
I also watched Cassuis Clay fights when I was a child with my Dad
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (457412)
• Switzerland
8 Jan 21
@BloggerDi 
Many words come from Latin or Ancient Greek and still used in European languages.
Many words come from Latin or Ancient Greek and still used in European languages.1 person likes this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
7 Jan 21
I always learn something from your responses to my 'Weird Word' posts @LadyDuck! Thank you.
1 person likes this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
7 Jan 21
Thanks a lot @HazySue. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (94310)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
7 Jan 21
I have heard of the word pugilism from the Disney cartoon series "Peter Pan And The Pirates" when one the pirates under the leadership of Captain Hook was showing off his boxing skills via shadow boxing.
1 person likes this
@BloggerDi (3113)
• United States
7 Jan 21
Oh, how about that @Deepizzaguy! Unexpected answer! Thank you.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (94310)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
7 Jan 21
@BloggerDi You are welcome since I like the "Rocky Balboa" movie franchise.
1 person likes this
