noun
Common
cuts
kuhts
Cuts (noun) means Corporal punishment given at school, historically by striking with a cane or strap. Example: “In the old days, pupils could be given cuts for talking back to a teacher.”
noun
1
Corporal punishment given at school, historically by striking with a cane or strap.
"My greatest happiness is that Sebastian is having a good time at school and has never been given the cuts."
— Gaynor McGrath, Lemniscate (2008)
"In the old days, pupils could be given cuts for talking back to a teacher."
"The headmaster in the old novel gave the boys six cuts for fighting."
"Grandad remembers fearing the cuts if he arrived late to class."
"‘I′ll give you something to keep you awake, McFadyen!’ Ape shouted. Meat was taken off to the staff room and given the cuts."
— Bill Marsh, Ape: Old Yanconian Daze (1995)
How to use cuts
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old British term for caning or strapping as school punishment; also simply the plural of "cut."
When to use it
This specific "school punishment" sense is dated and largely historical.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like cuts.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the old days, pupils could be given _____ for talking back to a teacher.
Synonyms
View more →
caning
the cane
strokes
lashes
the strap
corporal punishment
Related words
Rhymes for cuts
See all rhymes for cuts →Frequently asked questions
What does “cuts” mean?
The word “cuts” means corporal punishment given at school, historically by striking with a cane or strap. In plain terms, an old British term for caning or strapping as school punishment; also simply the plural of "cut.".
How do you pronounce “cuts”?
“Cuts” is pronounced kuhts (/kʌts/ in IPA).
How do you use “cuts” in a sentence?
Here is “cuts” used in a sentence: “In the old days, pupils could be given cuts for talking back to a teacher.”
What part of speech is “cuts”?
“Cuts” is a noun.
Is “cuts” a common word?
“Cuts” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What does getting "cuts" mean at school?
It refers to receiving corporal punishment — being struck across the hand or backside with a cane or leather strap. Each stroke counted as one "cut," so "six cuts" meant six strikes. Once a routine school discipline in several countries, the term is now historical in most places.
Are "cuts" still given in schools?
In most countries, no. Corporal punishment in schools has been banned across the UK, much of Europe, and many other nations, though it still occurs in some regions. Where it has been outlawed, "cuts" survives only as a historical or regional expression for the old practice.
Why was it called "cuts"?
Because each stroke of the cane or strap landed as a sharp, cutting blow that stung and often left a mark. A pupil might be sentenced to a set number of "cuts," with each one counting as a single strike delivered by the teacher.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include cuts:
