The Spanish word 'puñeta' comes from combining the Spanish word 'puño' (meaning 'fist') with the diminutive suffix '-eta'. The word 'puño' itself derives from the Latin word 'pugnus', which also meant 'fist'. The diminutive suffix '-eta' makes the word literally mean 'little fist', though it has evolved to also refer to a vulgar hand gesture in modern Spanish.

A simpler and more common related Spanish word is 'puño' (fist). While 'puño' refers to a regular fist, 'puñeta' adds the diminutive suffix to create a more specific meaning. You might also encounter words like 'puñetazo' (punch) which shares the same root.

While English doesn't have many common words directly related to the Latin 'pugnus', you might recognize it in words like 'pugilist' (a boxer or fighter) and 'pugilism' (the sport of boxing). These words maintain the connection to fighting and fists from the original Latin root.