Pukes. A corruption of Pikes, generally applied to the natives of Missouri, who originally settled in Pike County of that state.
Pullman Car. After its inventor, Pullman of Chicago.
Pull up Stakes. An Americanism for to pack up one’s belongings and remove elsewhere. The expression has, of course, reference to dismantling a tent among a mining community.
Pumps. Dancing shoes bear this name in allusion to the fashionable assemblies in the pump-room at the Western Spas when Beau Nash, styled “King of Bath,” presided over the ceremonies.
Punch. From the Hindoo panch, five, this beverage being composed of five ingredients: spirit, sugar, lemon juice, spice, and water.
Punch and Judy. A hybrid form of entertainment evolved out of an old mystery play, Pontius cum Judæis (“Pontius Pilate and the Jews”).
Punic Wars. Those waged between Rome and Carthage. By the Romans the Carthaginians were called the Puni, a corruption of Phœni, in allusion to their descent from the Phœnicians.
Punitive Expedition. A petty war with the set purpose of inflicting a well-merited punishment upon a rebellious tribe. The word “punitive” is derived from the Latin pœna, penalty.
Punjab. Expresses the Persian for “five rivers.”
Punkah. From the Hindoo pankha, a fan.