It’s a word that conjures images of forceful impact, a visceral sound that suggests a relentless barrage. "Pummel." We hear it in descriptions of a boxer’s relentless assault, or perhaps in the metaphorical battering a stock market takes. But where does this potent word come from, and does it have any less combative cousins?
Digging into its origins, we find that "pummel" is actually a variation, a sort of linguistic sibling, to the word "pommel." Now, "pommel" might bring to mind the rounded knob on the hilt of a sword, or the sturdy protuberance at the front of a saddle. And indeed, those are its primary meanings. Think of a knight gripping his sword, his hand resting on the pommel, or a rider steadying themselves in the stirrups, their hand finding the pommel of the saddle.
Interestingly, the verb form of "pommel" also means to strike repeatedly, much like "pummel." It seems the act of striking with a pommel – whether a sword hilt or something else – lent itself to the broader meaning of a repeated, forceful blow. The American Heritage Dictionary points out that "pummel" is an alteration of "pommel," suggesting a natural evolution of the word as language often does, smoothing out sounds and adapting meanings.
So, while "pummel" often evokes a direct, physical confrontation – beating or battering with fists, or even being attacked verbally with criticism – its root, "pommel," connects it to more specific, object-oriented actions. You might "pommel" a thief with your handbag, as one example shows, a direct echo of the verb's meaning. It’s a fascinating linguistic journey, from the solid, tangible pommel of a sword or saddle to the abstract, often harsh, impact of being "pummeled" by bad news or harsh words.
And for those who dabble in gymnastics, the "pommel horse" itself features U-shaped handles, also called pommels, used for a specific kind of workout. It’s a testament to how a single root word can branch out into such diverse applications, from the battlefield to the gym, and into the very fabric of our language describing both physical and metaphorical impacts.
