buff

[bʌf]

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An "enthusiast" who loves something and spends their time learning about it can be called a buff. This might sound weird, but think of someone who's super into video games or sports.

You'll often hear people use the word "buff" as an adjective to describe how interested they are in something. For example, if someone says they're a tech buff, you know they spend a lot of time reading about new gadgets and software. In the same way, someone might be a history buff or a foodie who's always looking for new restaurants to try. If someone is a book buff, you can bet they've read everything by their favorite authors! The word "buff" is short for "expert," so when someone calls themselves a buff, they're kind of saying they're an expert in that area.

How common is "buff"?

Word buff is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

Undyed leather from the skin of buffalo or similar animals.
A tool, often one covered with buff leather, used for polishing.
A brownish yellow colour.
A military coat made of buff leather.
A person who is very interested in a particular subject; an enthusiast.
An effect that makes a character or item stronger.
Example: I just picked up an epic damage buff! Let's go gank the other team!
Compressive coupler force that occurs during a slack bunched condition.
The bare skin.
Example: to strip to the buff
The greyish viscid substance constituting the buffy coat.
A substance used to dilute (street) drugs in order to increase profits.

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verb

To polish and make shiny by rubbing.
Example: He was already buffing the car's hubs.
To make a character or an item stronger.
Example: I noticed that the pistols were buffed in the update.
To modify a medical chart, especially in a dishonest manner.

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adjective

Of the color of buff leather, a brownish yellow.
Unusually muscular. (also buffed or buffed out)
Example: The bouncer was a big, buff dude with tattoos, a shaved head, and a serious scowl.
Physically attractive.

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