Skip to main content
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
Preston Brooks was a Southern, pro-slavery Congressman from South Carolina. He is most famous for attacking Charles Sumner, an abolitionist, IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE BUILDING by hitting him multiple times on the back and head with a walking cane. Sumner suffered brain and spinal cord damage, leaving him unable to attend to his senate duties for months afterwards. Yes, Brooks was reelected. Today, pulling a Preston Brooks is used as a euphemism for behaving inappropriately violently in a situation in which such behaviour is not deemed acceptable.
Text fits
Save
Cancel