noun
southpaw
SOWTH-paw
noun
1
A left-handed person, especially an athlete such as a boxer or pitcher.
"The team's star southpaw pitched a shutout last night."
How to Use Southpaw
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA lefty, especially in sports like boxing or baseball.
Common pairings
southpaw pitcher
southpaw boxer
Word Forms
southpaws plural
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The team's star _____ pitched a shutout last night.
Etymology
From south + paw. First recorded in the early 1800s; commonly explained by old ballpark layouts that put a left-handed pitcher's throwing arm on the south side, though the term may actually trace back further to 1840s boxing slang for a left-handed punch.