Pleased as Punch

Punch, as in a Punch and Judy Show, is an abbreviation of Punchinello who was the prototype and principal character of a traditional Italian puppet show dating from the 17th century. By the 18th century, the English version had become Punch and Judy. As a character, Punch was always depicted as extremely domineering and pleased with himself, especially when he triumphed over enemies. Hence the expression, ‘pleased as Punch’, which dates from the early 19th century.