Buff has 16 different meanings across 4 categories:
Noun · Verb · Adjective · Proper Noun
a soft thick undyed leather from the skins of e.g. buffalo or oxen
"The artisan crafted a sturdy handbag using genuine buff leather that had never been dyed."
a medium to dark tan color
"The sun gave her skin a beautiful buff glow after hours at the beach."
Undyed leather from the skin of buffalo or similar animals.
"The crew affectionately called their aging B-52 a buff, even though it was far from beautiful or large enough to deserve such a harsh acronym-based name."
A buffet; a blow.
A buffalo, or the meat of a buffalo.
Acronym of big ugly fat fellow (or fucker); US Airforce nickname for the B-52 bomber.
In plain English: Buff is an informal, sometimes offensive, term originally used to describe a large or muscular person, and also a nickname for a specific type of airplane.
"The old hangar felt like a cathedral to aviation, housing the mighty buff and its crew."
Usage: As military slang, "buff" refers to the Boeing B-52 bomber; avoid using it as the derogatory acronym it historically was. Using "buff" in this context is specific to aviation and military discussions.
To polish and make shiny by rubbing.
"He buffed his opponent in the final round of boxing."
To strike.
In plain English: To buff means to polish something until it's smooth and shiny.
"The boxer buffed his opponent with a swift jab to the arm."
Usage: Use "buff" to describe polishing a surface to a shine, often with a soft cloth; think of buffing shoes or furniture. It implies a gentle but repeated striking motion to create smoothness and luster.
of the yellowish-beige color of buff leather
"The antique sofa was upholstered in a soft, warm buff fabric that matched the vintage aesthetic perfectly."
Of the color of buff leather, a brownish yellow.
"The archaeologist carefully brushed away dust from the pottery to reveal its warm, buff surface."
In plain English: Buff means a light brown or yellowish-brown color.
"The antique desk had a warm, buff finish that complemented the room's decor."
Usage: Buff (adj.) Use "buff" to describe a pale yellowish-brown color resembling that of natural leather-think antique paper or aged parchment. It's less common than other color terms but precise when describing this specific shade.
A surname.
"The famous actor Jeffery Buff appeared in several classic films during the 1950s."
The word comes from the Middle French term buffle, meaning "buffalo." It originally referred to leather made from buffalo hides.