Mitts

/mɪts/ noun

Definition

Informal word for hands or gloves, especially thick gloves like mittens used in winter or work gloves.

Etymology

Short form of 'mittens,' from Middle French 'mite,' and ultimately from Latin 'medius' (middle), because mittens cover the middle part of the hand together.

Kelly Says

The word 'mitts' became slang for hands in American English partly through 1930s-40s crime fiction and boxing slang, where tough guys would keep their 'mitts' (fists) up.

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