Meaning & use
ear boxing
Last updated
Meaning
noununcountableinformalold-fashioned
The act of hitting someone on the ear with the flat hand, usually as a punishment.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun: ear boxing was common. It is rarely used in the plural.
Patterns
- give someone ear boxing
- get ear boxing
In the old days, ear boxing was a common punishment in schools.
The boy got a sound ear boxing for being rude to the teacher.
The novel describes the harsh practice of ear boxing in the navy.
Common combinations
- give someone ear boxing
- The angry farmer gave the boy ear boxing for stealing apples.
- get ear boxing
- He got ear boxing from his father for lying.
- a sound ear boxing
- She threatened him with a sound ear boxing if he didn't behave.
Synonyms and how they differ
- boxing someone's ears
- This is the more common modern phrase; it means the same thing.
- cuff on the ear
- A cuff is a blow with the open hand, often on the ear or head.
Word family
Commonly confused: ear boxing or boxing?
ear boxing vs boxing
Boxing is a sport, while ear boxing is a form of punishment.
Practice
What does 'ear boxing' mean?
Choose one answer.
Ear boxing refers to hitting someone on the ear, usually as a punishment. It is not a sport (that is 'boxing') or anything to do with music or hats.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “ear boxing”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.