In boxing, "below the belt" refers to the area of the body that lies below an imaginary line drawn at the opponent's navel (belly button), including the genital area, lower abdomen, and legs. Punches that land below this line are considered illegal and are against the rules of the sport. This includes strikes to the groin and lower abdomen, which are especially vulnerable and can cause significant pain or injury
. The term "below the belt" originates from this rule in boxing and has also become a figurative expression meaning an unfair, unethical, or excessively hurtful action or remark
. To summarize:
- The "belt" line is an imaginary horizontal line at the navel.
- Any punch landing below this line (including the genital area and lower abdomen) is illegal.
- Such blows are penalized in boxing for being unfair and dangerous
Thus, "below the belt" in boxing strictly means strikes aimed at or below the opponent's navel, which are prohibited.
