Definition of the word sucker punch

The phrase "sucker punch" originated in the world of boxing in the early 20th century. The term refers to a surprise attack, often unexpected and delivered while the victim is not prepared for it. In boxing, a sucker punch is a hard, quick blow that is thrown by one fighter against an unsuspecting opponent, usually when he is not guarding himself. This type of punch can often catch the other fighter off guard, delivering a powerful blow that might knock him down or out. The term "sucker punch" originated in reference to a sleight-of-hand trick called a "sucker game," which was popular in the 1920s. In this game, a person would be deceived into playing a rigged game by a skilled and cunning operator. The victim, or "sucker," would think he was winning or even, in some cases, cheating, only to find himself losing all his money. The comparison between this deceitful tactic and the sneaky punch in boxing is that both the "sucker game" and the "sucker punch" lure the opponent into a false sense of security, only to strike them down unexpectedly. Since its origins in boxing, the term "sucker punch" has now become a part of everyday language and is used outside sports to describe any unexpected and unfair attack or betrayal.