An Irish Kiss, in the context you mentioned, refers to a head butt in a bar fight. Growing up in Chicago, this term was commonly used to describe such an action. Interestingly, the term “Irish Kiss” also has historical roots in the realm of fighting sticks and weaponry, both in Irish clan warfare and in the use of police billies throughout history.
The use of fighting sticks has a long and storied history in Ireland. In clan warfare, sticks were often used as a means of defense and attack. These sticks, typically made of wood and varying in length, provided a practical and effective way for individuals to protect themselves and their clans. Over time, the fighting stick evolved into a weapon known as the Irish Shillelagh, which became synonymous with Irish martial arts.
As the use of police forces became more prevalent in Ireland, batons were introduced as a means of maintaining law and order. These batons, often referred to as “billies,” were used by police officers to subdue unruly individuals or as a defensive tool. The Irish Kiss, in this context, could be seen as a euphemism for the use of these batons in physical altercations.
The term “Irish Kiss” is fitting for a baton as it embodies the idea of a forceful impact, similar to the head butt in a bar fight. It represents a swift and powerful strike, often used in self-defense or to assert authority. The imagery of an Irish Kiss can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the force and impact behind the strike, much like the head butt itself.
In my personal experiences, I have witnessed the use of batons or billies by law enforcement officers. These encounters have highlighted the significance of such weapons in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of both officers and civilians. The power and effectiveness of a well-executed strike with a baton cannot be underestimated, and it is understandable why the term “Irish Kiss” has been associated with this weapon.
The term “Irish Kiss” has a multifaceted history. While it may have originated as a slang term for a head butt in a bar fight, it also has ties to the use of fighting sticks in Irish clan warfare and the use of police batons throughout history. The term encapsulates the forceful impact and power behind a strike, whether it be with a weapon or in a physical altercation.