Cut

Cut meaning to cut a pack of playing cards dates from 1598. Cut meaning drunk is British slang and dates from the mid-17th century. Half-cut is, of course, half-drunk and dates from the early 19th century. To cut meaning to reduce prices, rates, staff, salaries etc. is originally American and dates from the late 19th century. A cut, as in a cut-shot, is a stroke in tennis or cricket and dates from 1855. The figurative use of cut meaning to offend, wound, or hurt someone's feelings dates from the mid-1500s, as does 'short cut' meaning a quicker, more direct route.