Literary notes about Jab (AI summary)
The word "jab" is used with notable versatility in literature, functioning as both a literal and metaphorical device. In physical confrontations, it describes a quick, precise strike—a move in boxing or martial arts that emphasizes speed and accuracy, as seen when a fighter throws a short jab to set up an attack [1][2]. In combat scenes, the term captures the sudden, often brutal impact of a thrust with a weapon, whether it’s a bayonet, knife, or lance, evoking the immediacy of physical violence [3][4][5]. At the same time, "jab" can also suggest an emotional or verbal sting, indicating a sharp, unexpected intrusion on someone's feelings or state of mind [6][7]. This duality of meaning not only intensifies the tension in battle sequences but also enriches character interactions by weaving in subtle layers of hurt and aggression.
- Wonder how she'll like my upper-cut and left-hand jab!
— from Punch, or the London Charivari, June 10, 1914 by Various - His left hand jab could stand without revision in any textbook.
— from Pieces of Hate; And Other Enthusiasms by Heywood Broun - In a twinkling the thrust had been parried by Lieutenant Morris, who, at close quarters, aimed a vicious jab at his captain's wind-pipe.
— from Uncle Sam's Boys with Pershing's Troops
Or, Dick Prescott at Grips with the Boche by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock - but he discovered that he had not forgotten how to bring up his knee and jab his antagonist in the stomach.
— from New Lamps by Robert Moore Williams - A left jab from him had all the majesty of a formal declaration of war.
— from The Coming of Bill by P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse - He turned away; but with each step, something seemed to jab at his heart.
— from Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works by John Galsworthy - But, say, I've met too many peevish old parties to let a little jab like that tie up my tongue.
— from On With Torchy by Sewell Ford