buff etymology

Etymology:

The word "buff" has various etymological roots:

• Greek: "bouphalos" (bull-faced), referring to the reddish-brown color of an ox
• Old English: "bufan" (to puff up), possibly describing the blowing or buffeting of the wind
• Middle English: "buffe" (a blow or slap), from the Old French "bufer" (strike)
• Italian: "buffa" (funny, ridiculous), ultimately from the Greek "bouphonia" (ox-slaying)

Meaning:

"Buff" primarily means:

• A pale yellow or yellowish-brown color
• A polished soft leather, originally made from buffalo hide
• A type of military uniform made from this leather
• A seasoned soldier or experienced person
• A ridiculous or foolish person

Origin:

The first recorded use of "buff" in English as a color was in the early 15th century. The term "buff leather" appeared in the mid-16th century, and the military uniform became established in the 17th century. The slang terms "buff" (for a soldier) and "buffoon" (for a fool) derived from these later uses.

buff relate terms

• buffalo

  Etymology The term buffalo is derived from the Latin word bubalus which in turn ori

• buffet

  Etymology The word buffet has two possible origins French From the Old French word

• buffer

  Etymology Middle English buffer from Anglo French buffeter to strike from Mi

• buff

  Etymology The word buff has various etymological roots Greek bouphalos bull fac

• caramel

  Etymology Old French caramel Late Latin caramellus Arabic قَرْمِيل qarmīl

• burnish

  Etymology Old French burnir to polish brighten Latin burnia burnished armor Pr

• blindman

  Etymology and Meaning The word blindman is derived from the Old English words blind

• furbish

  Etymology From Middle English furbysshen forbesshen to refurbish ultimately from

• shine

  Etymology Old English scīnan verb Proto Germanic skīnanan verb Proto Indo Europe

• brown

  Etymology The word brown originates from the Old English word brun which meant dark

• smooth

  Etymology The word smooth is derived from the Middle English word smoþe which in tu

• leather

  Etymology The word leather comes from the Old English word lether which is derived f