bluff
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Etymology 1
From Dutch bluffen (“‘brag’”) or bluf (“‘bragging’”).
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
bluff (plural bluffs)
- An act of bluffing; an expression of self-confidence for the purpose of intimidation; braggadocio; as, that is only bluff, or a bluff.
- (poker) An attempt to represent yourself as holding a stronger hand than you do.
- John's bet was a bluff, he bet without even so much as a pair.
[edit] Translations
act of bluffing
poker: attempt to represent yourself as holding a stronger hand than you do
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[edit] Verb
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Infinitive |
Third person singular |
Simple past |
Past participle |
Present participle |
to bluff (third-person singular simple present bluffs, present participle bluffing, simple past and past participle bluffed)
- To make a bluff.
- John bluffed by betting without even a pair.
[edit] Translations
to make a bluff
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Etymology 2
Related to Middle Low German blaff, "smooth".
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
bluff (plural bluffs)
- A high, steep bank, as by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.
- (Canadian Prairies) A small wood or stand of trees, typically poplar or willow.
[edit] Translations
high, steep bank
[edit] Adjective
bluff (comparative bluffer, superlative bluffest)
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Positive |
- Having a broad, flattened front; as, the bluff bows of a ship.
- Rising steeply with a flat or rounded front.
- Surly; churlish; gruff; rough.
- 1883: Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island
- ...he had a bluff, rough-and-ready face, all roughened and reddened and lined in his long travels.
- 1883: Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island
- Abrupt; roughly frank; unceremonious; blunt; brusque; as, a bluff answer; a bluff manner of talking; a bluff sea captain.
[edit] Translations
rising steeply with a flat or rounded front
abrupt; roughly frank; unceremonious; blunt; brusque
[edit] References
- “bluff” in the Canadian Oxford Dictionary, Second Edition, Oxford University Press, 2004.
[edit] Danish
[edit] Alternative forms
[edit] Etymology
From English bluff.
[edit] Noun
bluff n.
