Punching up is a term use when someone engages in a conflict with an adversary who has greater power/status then themselves. It's also known by the phrase: "Speaking truth to power". The antonym of "Punching up" would be "Punch down", wherein someone engages in a conflict with an adversary who has less power/status then themselves.
Person 1: What does it mean to "punch up"?
Person 2: Well, say that you engage a Feminist in a debate. You would be punching up since Feminism is the status quo (Meaning it has societal power/status.) and debating it in any form would mean having to challenge someone with more power than you yourself has. You're "punching up" at the person who is above you.
by Saudades October 14, 2015
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Punching up is a term commonly used by SJWs to describe comedy that they deem morally acceptable as the jokes are made at the expense of people they deem are in positions of privilege or power. This can include jokes about men, white people, straight people, cisgendered people, business owners, or landlords. Jokes about any other types of people, most especially trans or nonbinary people, are deemed completely off limits as it is considered punching down.
Person A: I really enjoy Dave Chappelle's comedy. I appreciate how he comes up with an outlandish joke for everyone.

Person B: UNACCEPTABLE! He should've never made jokes about the LGBTQQIP2SAA+ community. Punching up only! No punching down!
by RedRosePetal June 15, 2022
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(n) 1)The act of a male being sexually relieved by hand. The hand is to form a loosely clenched fist where which the penis is inserted. With constant grip the penis is stroked up and downward until ejaculation.
2)The much enjoyed ending to an oriental massage. Also known as a Happy ending.
I tell you, I'm so stressed out. I could go for a punch up at the West Garden Spa.
by Taco17 February 22, 2008
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A script that is rewritten with jokes, one liners, and cultural references to make it more appealing to a different audience then the original script was intended for.
The new anime series brought to America has a punch up script made for children.
by Mr. Jordan August 20, 2006
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A large punch-up where any number of people may join a free-for-all fight. Teams can be in dozens or hundreds. The main difference, asides from size, to normal punch-ups is that there will be anything from 10-50% of participants who are not on a team, and are not fighting to defend their honour or status, but simply because they want to.
Celtic Vs Rangers > major punch-up shall ensue.
by Gumba Gumba February 27, 2004
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A fight that takes place in a cramped space, such as a shop doorway.
"Me and Dave had a toe to toe punch-up outside the shoe shop on Abington Street"
by Doll Revolution July 11, 2003
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