IPA: /ˈkʌpər/
KK: /ˈkʌpər/
A person who uses a technique called cupping, which involves placing cups on the skin to create suction for therapeutic purposes.
The cupper applied the cups to the patient's back to relieve muscle tension.
The word 'cupper' originates from Middle English 'cuper', which comes from Old French 'coupier', meaning to cut or to strike. It refers to a person who cups, particularly in the context of cupping therapy, where cups are applied to the skin to create suction.
Think of someone who 'cuts' or 'strikes' with cups in a therapeutic way — that's why a 'cupper' is someone who uses cups for treatment.