15+ Slang Words For Hands (And How To Use Them)

Written by Gabriel Cruz - Foodie, Animal Lover, Slang & Language Enthusiast

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The hands are arguably the most useful body parts we have. Imagine all the things we would have not been able to do without them. Because of their importance, it's no wonder why there are many slang words that have naturally emerged to refer to them. Learn how to use them in this article.

Slang Words for Hands (in Alphabetical Order) 

Bird

Meaning:

  • (Noun) This slang word often refers to the middle finger of the hand and is used as an offensive insult. Mainly utilized in the phrase “flipping the bird” or showing one’s middle finger.
  • Example: Never show the bird to anyone. It is very disrespectful. 

Bunch Of Fives

Meaning:

  • (Noun) A slang phrase in the UK, often referring to a closed hand or fist. 
  • Example: Mike Tyson had a mean punch but his bunch of fives got injured often. 

Daddles

Meaning:

  • (Noun) Originating in the 18th century, this slang is an old way of referring to your hands.  
  • Example: My daddles almost got frostbitten when we went skiing. 

Digits

Meaning:

  • (Noun) Your digits are your fingers or toes. 
  • Example: A famous basketball player lost one of his digits when he was very young. 

Duke

Meaning:

  • (Noun) Refers to the hands or fist and comes from the rhyming slang “dukes of york.”
  • Example: You better know how to use your dukes or else, you will fail woodworking. 

Famble

Meaning:

  • (Noun) Comes from the 14th Century and is Tudor slang for hands
  • Example: Grandma’s fambles are still capable of sewing and knitting quickly.

Fork

Meaning:

  • (Noun) This was old slang for one’s fist or hands and the phrase “dukes of york” was coined as a rhyming slang to “fork.”
  • Example: My forks really got worn out after too much farm work.

Lill

Meaning:

  • (Noun) This is the Cockney Rhyming slang for hands.
  • Example: Never forget to wear gloves on your lills when using the sawmill. 

Meathooks

Meaning:

  • (Noun) A slang used for one’s fist or hands, especially if they are used clumsily. 
  • Example: You better not put your meathooks on the cake because you might ruin it. 

Mitt

Meaning:

  • (Noun) Mitts are gloves often used to protect a person’s hand. They have become synonymous with a person’s actual hands.  
  • Example: Never place your mitts under extreme temperature because the damage could be severe.

Nieve

Meaning:

  • (Noun) This slang for your hands comes from Scotland. It is often misspelled as naive. 
  • Example: My nieves are getting sweaty because of the humidity.

Nobble

Meaning:

  • (Verb) A British slang from the early 19th century. It means to grab or steal something using your own dirty hands. 
  • Example: Denver’s allowance got nobbled by two popular thieves in the area.  

Paws

Meaning:

  • (Noun) Cutesy way of referring to your hands or palms. It comes feet of animals, usually cats or dogs.
  • Example: My baby’s paws grab on to everything she can reach. 

Pointers

Meaning:

  • (Noun) Since your fingers and hands are often used to point to something, they are also called pointers.
  • Example: Keep your pointers clean and neat because your teachers will check them this week. 

Stump

Meaning:

  • (Noun) A stump is the common slang term for a residual limb that comes from an amputation. This term is usable for someone’s amputated hand. 
  • Example: Having a stump did not stop her from becoming the best swimmer in the state.

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