Late 17th century; earliest use found in Purgatorium Hibernicum. From Irish póg kiss (Early Irish póc) from the British base of Old Cornish poc- (in the compounds impoc and poccuil), Middle Breton pocq kiss (Breton pok) from post-classical Latin pac-, pax kiss of peace, specifically use of classical Latin pāx peace.

Early 19th century; earliest use found in James Vaux (1782–c1841). Origin uncertain. Perhaps a variant of poke. A connection with pough seems less likely.

Early 20th century; earliest use found in United States Navy Court of Inquiry. Origin unknown.