What are the keywords that give you a “green light” for punching?

Question

I read here that the First Amendment allows you to say whatever you want to someone without the government interfering, so long as your words do not pose an imminent threat of harm to another (and a couple other exceptions).

So what are those keywords that give you a "green light" for punching ?

Can punching be justified ? Let's say somebody says horrible things about my wife, does that give me a "green light" to punch ? What is the "punching power" limit ? Is "slap in the face" okay ? LOL

Answer 1

Note: Similar Q&A here.

The only legal justifications for battery that I am aware of are:

1. Defense (especially self-defense)
2. To prevent a more serious felony
3. To effect a lawful arrest

Although "fighting words" are not protected speech, AFAIK they do not justify a violent act (even though they are defined as words likely to provoke one). But words constituting assault – i.e., creating a reasonable apprehension of an imminent threat that justifies the use of force, as enumerated above – can.

Answer 2

There are no words that "green light" a punch.