Whenever we engage in conversation, we fence, using words instead of weapons. We parry awkward questions and respond with ripostes.
By the same token, whenever two fencers fight, they converse. The clash of the blades is known as a “conversation.” Every attack is effectively a question. Every defensive move is an answer.
Our lives are underpinned by combative instinct. Talking or fighting, we employ reflexes as old as humanity. Both activities have been refined over millennia, modified by the rules of grammar and honor. But stripped to the basics, talking is a form of fighting, and fighting is a form of talking.
In Renaissance Europe, words and swords were elevated to new heights of cultural significance. Poets and playwrights crafted work that resonates to this day, while sword fighting ceased to be primarily a function of war and became a popular leisure activity for the gentry. Rules were drawn up and buttons were added to the tips of the swords to render them relatively harmless.
The term “fencing” evolved from the word “defense,” and for young European men it was more than a sport: It was a vital survival skill, either on the battlefield or in the formal duels that were the favored method of settling quarrels when words alone were not enough.
Firearms eventually replaced swords as the weapons of choice for battle or personal disputes, but the tradition of swordsmanship endured. Fencing was inevitably included in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and is one of only five sports to have featured in every subsequent Olympics. (In 1924, the Hungarian and Italian teams became embroiled in a row that led to the buttons being removed from their swords and duels being fought. Fortunately, honor was satisfied without anyone being killed.)
In modern fencing, there are three disciplines, each employing different weapons and specialized techniques. Top fencers tend to dedicate themselves to one particular fencing discipline rather than attempting to master all three.
The foil is the lightest weapon, and only the opponent’s torso is deemed to be a scoring area. The épée is directly related to the traditional dueling sword, and the whole body is in play, though only a hit with the tip of the blade scores points. The saber, which is primarily a slashing weapon, evolved from the cavalry sword — the entire blade can be used to strike all parts of the opponent’s body from the waist up.
The seemingly absurd fencing garb — resembling a white romper suit, topped with a metallic, fine-mesh mask — is essential for protection. Prior to electronic scoring, sword tips were dipped in soot, and scoring was determined by the soot marks on the white uniforms of each fencer. Today, competitors are wired directly to a computer, and each scoring hit registers automatically.
Bouts take place on a long, narrow platform known as the piste. Fencers are penalized if they stray from the fighting area. A fencing match consists of three three-minute bouts separated by a minute of rest. The first fencer to reach 15 points wins. If the contest goes the distance, the competitor with the highest points tally is awarded victory.
Despite its long pedigree, fencing is never likely to become a mainstream modern sport. The specialized clothing and equipment can be prohibitively expensive, and a considerable amount of training is required to reach a competitive standard.
Yet whether we are aware of it or not, we fence every day; and when, in the course of repartee, we are skewered by someone’s rapier wit, we inevitably respond with a fencing term: Touché.
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedGlobal City Guidebook 2025
Jul 9, 2025Global City Guidebook: Motueka, New Zealand
The town on New Zealand’s South Island is known for, among other things, its distinctive namesake hops used for making beer. Motueka’s beautiful beaches, proximity to parks, cafés and cultural offerings draw visitors for laid-back getaways.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 9, 2025The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali Review
Maui’s well-heeled vacationers have long flocked to Wailea, a verdant paradise lined with upscale beachfront resorts. Kaanapali, 45 minutes up the coastal Honoapiʻilani Highway, was the island’s bustling alternative.
eFlyer News
Jul 9, 2025Uber Announces New Features for 2025
In time for summer, Uber announced some new features to make travel smoother and more convenient for personal getaways, business trips and everything in between. Uber continues to expand its reach in the suburbs and areas with limited transit options, and Uber Reserve now grows its offerings to 70 additional airports in the United States and Canada, primarily focusing on smaller airports in suburban towns. This expansion includes airports like Augusta, Georgia (AGS); Green Bay, Wisconsin (ATW); Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (MDT); Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS); Reno, Nevada (RNO); and more.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
eFlyer News
Jul 9, 2025W Hotels Opens in Florence, Italy
W Hotels, part of Marriott’s portfolio, opens its second Italian property with W Florence. Situated on Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, the hotel occupies a building originally designed by Florentine architect Lando Bartoli.
Oman Air Joins oneworld Alliance
eFlyer News
Jul 9, 2025Silver Airways Ceases Operations
eFlyer Lead
Jul 9, 2025London’s Largest Wine Bar Opens … Below Ground
Daily
Jul 9, 2025Daily
Jul 9, 2025Manhattan’s Only Museum Dedicated to Contemporary Art to Open Expansion This Fall
New York City has many museums within its five boroughs, but The New Museum, Manhattan’s only museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art, is the talk of the town these days as it moves closer to opening its 60,000-square-foot building expansion this fall. The expansion was designed by OMA / Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas, in collaboration with Cooper Robertson.
Sponsored Content
Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World
Some events change a nation. Some change the world.
July 2025
Jul 9, 2025Global City Guidebook: Buenos Aires
Travelers visiting Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, will find themselves in awe while exploring the destination’s history, culture, landmarks and European-influenced architecture.
ShareThis