Iconic phrases which originated in boxing?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by SonnyListon>, Dec 3, 2024.


  1. SonnyListon>

    SonnyListon> #1 Sonny Liston fan Full Member

    2,007
    1,851
    May 14, 2024
    I was listening to the radio and they played a clip of Tua(football) saying their teams gonna “get out there and keep chopping wood” and my first thought was questioning if that phrase came from Ali. Wether it did or didn’t, anyone else got any examples like this?
     
  2. Ioakeim Tzortzakis

    Ioakeim Tzortzakis Well-Known Member Full Member

    1,610
    5,492
    Aug 27, 2020
    I've heard that the phrase ''put some pep in your step'' has some relation with Willie Pep. Don't know if it's entirely true, though.
     
    SonnyListon> likes this.
  3. SonnyListon>

    SonnyListon> #1 Sonny Liston fan Full Member

    2,007
    1,851
    May 14, 2024
    Thats actually really interesting… never even thought about that before
     
  4. scartissue

    scartissue Boxing Junkie Full Member

    10,195
    12,284
    Mar 2, 2006
    Joe Jacobs, Max Schmeling's manager, was responsible for 2 catch phrases that have stood the test of time:

    "We wuz robbed!" Used after the decision that cost Schmeling the title at the hands of Jack Sharkey.

    "I shoulda stood in bed!" Used after the first time Jacobs saw a baseball game, which he felt was boring. His vernacular, of course, was put in print. Clearly he meant "I should have stayed in bed!"
     
    Pugguy, Fergy and SonnyListon> like this.
  5. scartissue

    scartissue Boxing Junkie Full Member

    10,195
    12,284
    Mar 2, 2006
    "No Mas!" We all know this one
     
    Pugguy, Fergy and SonnyListon> like this.
  6. scartissue

    scartissue Boxing Junkie Full Member

    10,195
    12,284
    Mar 2, 2006
    "He can run but he can't hide!" - Joe Louis regarding his upcoming fight with Billy Conn
     
  7. Pugguy

    Pugguy Ingo, The Thinking Man’s GOAT Full Member

    15,934
    26,128
    Aug 22, 2021
    “Toe the line” or “Come up to scratch” - per the rules of the London Prize Ring (LPR).

    A fighters “purse” used to be a literal purse like bag containing the prize money, tied to one of the ring posts. Again, from the bare knuckle days.

    “The Bigger They Are The Harder They Fall” generally attributed to Bob Fitzsimmons though some claim an earlier originator”

    “Bring Home The Bacon” - Joe Gans per a wire he sent to his mother in forecast of him winning an upcoming fight and prize money

    “It’s sthpinal” - Mike Tyson telling the indisthputed truth.
     
  8. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    17,388
    26,841
    Oct 12, 2010
    This content is protected
     
    scartissue, Pugguy and Fergy like this.
  9. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

    25,481
    16,392
    Apr 3, 2012
    I don't think so. "Pep" is basically archaic English that predates Wilie. It's short for pepper.
     
    Pugguy likes this.
  10. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

    43,528
    12,941
    Apr 1, 2007
    He's on ***** street?
     
    Keleneki, Pugguy and Fergy like this.
  11. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

    25,481
    16,392
    Apr 3, 2012
    "That's my sidepiece!"
     
    Dorrian_Grey likes this.
  12. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

    43,528
    12,941
    Apr 1, 2007
    I zigged when I should have zagged was from Dempsey I think. He can run but he can't hide from Louis?
     
    Dorrian_Grey and Pugguy like this.
  13. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

    3,464
    5,102
    Feb 27, 2024
    "Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth" - Iron Mike Tyson
     
    Dorrian_Grey and Pugguy like this.
  14. Pugguy

    Pugguy Ingo, The Thinking Man’s GOAT Full Member

    15,934
    26,128
    Aug 22, 2021
    The zig zag comment was from Jack Roper after being KO’d by Joe Louis.

    After being beaten by Tunney, Dempsey did say to his wife “Honey, I forgot to duck”.
     
  15. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

    43,528
    12,941
    Apr 1, 2007
    My brain isn't working properly at the moment lol.
     
    Pugguy likes this.