buff (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/bʌf/

Meaning and Usage

The word "buff" has several meanings depending on its part of speech:

1. As an Adjective: It means having a strong muscular physique or being well built. Commonly used to describe someone who is physically fit.
2. As a Noun: It can refer to a person who is very enthusiastic or knowledgeable about a particular subject. Additionally, it may denote a brownish-yellow color or a type of leather made from buff skin.
3. As a Verb: It means to polish something, typically to make it shiny, or to hit or strike something lightly.

Frequency of Use

The term "buff" is relatively common in both spoken and written English, especially in contexts related to fitness, hobbies, and polishing objects.

Example Sentences

1. "He works out regularly to stay buff."
   (Он регулярно тренируется, чтобы оставаться в форме.)

2. "She's a history buff, always reading books on the subject."
   (Она увлечена историей, всегда читает книги на эту тему.)

3. "Make sure to buff the car until it shines."
   (Убедись, что ты отполировал машину до блеска.)

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "buff" is also employed in various idiomatic expressions, mostly related to interests and physicality.

1. "Buff up on something": To refresh one’s knowledge or skills on a subject.
   Example: "I need to buff up on my Spanish before the trip."
   (Мне нужно освежить свои знания испанского перед поездкой.)

2. "Buff brother" or "buff sister": Used to describe a sibling who is very fit or muscular.
   Example: "My buff brother won a bodybuilding competition last year."
   (Мой качок-брат выиграл конкурс бодибилдинга в прошлом году.)

3. "Get buff": To become muscular and fit.
   Example: "He's been hitting the gym hard to get buff for the summer."
   (Он усердно тренируется в спортзале, чтобы накачаться к лету.)

4. "Buff and polish": In a professional context, it often refers to the final touches done to a product, making it appealing.
   Example: "After assembling the pieces, we will buff and polish the furniture."
   (После сборки частей мы отполируем мебель.)

Etymology

The word "buff" originates from the late 17th century, derived from the English word "buff," which referred to a type of leather made from buffalo hide. It later evolved to denote the color and the physique. The association with physical fitness likely came from the notion of being 'tough' or 'strong' like the animal.

Synonyms

• Adjective: muscular, fit
• Noun: enthusiast, fanatic, aficionado
• Verb: polish, shine, smooth

Antonyms

• Adjective: flabby, weak
• Noun: layman, novice
• Verb: dull (as in to make something less shiny)

In summary, "buff" is a multifaceted word used in various contexts, primarily associated with physical appearance, enthusiasm for subjects, and polishing actions.