palooka

Palooka is a colloquial term used to describe a person, often a boxer, who is prone to getting hit or knocked down in a fight. The term is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the United States, possibly in reference to boxer Tommy Loughran, who was known as "Parlor" Jack and later as "Skelly" or "Red" but also for being knocked on his back several times during a match.

The term gained widespread usage in the 1930s as a result of a series of cartoons created by boxing cartoonist Edgar "Bobby" Brooks, which featured a lovable but hapless boxer named Joe Palooka. The character was later adapted into a popular comic strip and a series of films starring Scotty Beckett as Joe Palooka.

In addition to its origins in boxing, the term is also used more broadly to describe anyone who is seen as hapless, unlucky, or prone to accidents. It may also refer to a person who is hit or affected by a particular circumstance, sometimes in a humorous or ironic way. The term has been used in various contexts, including sports, literature, and popular culture.

Throughout its usage, the term palooka has retained a lighthearted and non-threatening tone, often used to describe oneself or another in a joking or self-deprecating manner. The origins of the term continue to be uncertain, but its evolution as a cultural reference has become increasingly significant over time.