cuff/cup eggcorns?

Herb Stahlke hfwstahlke at GMAIL.COM
Sat Dec 20 04:03:06 UTC 2008


I've frequently heard the expressions "rotator cup" and "blood
pressure cup" for "rotator cuff" and "blood pressure cuff."  Google
hits for each show

rotator cuff                   1,320,000
rotator cup                   9,310
blood pressure cuff       334,000
blood pressure cup       1,510

Many of the "cup" hits clearly identify the object.  In some cases of
BPcuff, pictures and model numbers are provided.

And why would "cup" replace "cuff"?  Is the use of "cuff" as a strip
or fold encircling the wrist or ankle at the end of a sleeve/trouser
leg falling out of common use so that the resemblence of the BP
instrument no longer obviously resembles one?

Herb

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