First Known Use: 1627
Dictionary
1bluff
adjective \ˈbləf\
: having a very open, honest, and direct way of talking that is friendly but not always polite
Full Definition of BLUFF
1
a : having a broad flattened front b : rising steeply with a broad flat or rounded front
2
: good-naturedly frank and outspoken
— bluff·ly adverb
— bluff·ness noun
See bluff defined for English-language learners
See bluff defined for kids
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Origin of BLUFF
obsolete Dutch blaf flat; akin to Middle Low German blaff smooth
Related to BLUFF
- Synonyms
- abrupt, blunt, brusque (also brusk), crusty, curt, downright, short, short-spoken, snippy, unceremonious
- Antonyms
- circuitous, mealymouthed
Synonym Discussion of BLUFF
bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner. bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality <a bluff manner>. blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings <a blunt appraisal>. brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness <a brusque response>. curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness <a curt command>. crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness <a crusty exterior>. gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness <puts on a gruff pose>.
2bluff
noun
3bluff
verb
: to pretend that you will do something or that you know or have something in order to trick someone into doing what you want
: to pretend to do or make (something)
Full Definition of BLUFF
transitive verb
1
2
: to deceive (an opponent) in cards by a bold bet on an inferior hand
intransitive verb
: to bluff someone : act deceptively
— bluff·er noun
See bluff defined for English-language learners
Origin of BLUFF
probably from Dutch bluffen to boast, play a kind of card game
First Known Use: 1791
Related to BLUFF
- Synonyms
- bamboozle, beguile, deceive, buffalo, burn, catch, con, cozen, delude, dupe, fake out, fool, gaff, gammon, gull, have, have on [chiefly British], hoax, hoodwink, hornswoggle, humbug, juggle, misguide, misinform, mislead, snooker, snow, spoof, string along, sucker, suck in, take in, trick
- Antonyms
- undeceive
4bluff
noun
Definition of BLUFF
1
a : an act or instance of bluffing b : the practice of bluffing
2
: one who bluffs
First Known Use of BLUFF
1845
Bluff
geographical name \ˈbləf\
Definition of BLUFF
town S New Zealand; port for Invercargill pop 2720
BLUFFNESS Defined for Kids
1bluff
adjective \ˈbləf\
Definition of BLUFF for Kids
1
: rising steeply with a broad front <a bluff shoreline>
2
: frank and outspoken in a rough but good-natured way
2bluff
noun
Definition of BLUFF for Kids
: a high steep bank : cliff
3bluff
verb
bluffedbluff·ing
Definition of BLUFF for Kids
: to deceive or frighten by pretending to have more strength or confidence than is really true
4bluff
noun
Definition of BLUFF for Kids
: an act or instance of pretending to have more strength, confidence, or ability than is really true
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