Punching Up

A term used to describe an act, typically a joke or comedic skit is used by people within marginalized communities to softly jab at a group of more powerful, privileged, or less marginalized people. the person being jabbed at is typically characterized by being of higher wealth or status, white, cisgender or heterosexual, or a native-born, or a combination of all these things.
This can be used as a political statement, peaceful revolt, or just a way to cope by using laughter.

"Damn, imagine being a cishet white male."
"Punching Up I see."

by Bunii_ May 25, 2021

punch-up

usually a school yard fight with someone trying to defend their honor or someone elses. the original people involved dont actually have much to do with the eventual fight, but there are usually more than 3 or 4 a side, and they are not always even

girl 1: did u see that punch up after skool today?
girl 2: yea with dave and that! dave was protecting greg when tom started on him and arranged a fight outside!

by loodie March 17, 2005

Punching up

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

Punch Up The Trousers

A gay man who hides his sexuality and acts straight.

" See that man at the bar" " i think he is a punch up the trousers"

by fitchy jnr December 19, 2021

punch up script

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

major punch-up

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

toe to toe punch-up

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