Bluff

Pronunciation

• IPA: /blÊŒf/
• Rhymes: -ÊŒf

From Dutch bluffen ("brag") or bluf ("bragging").

Full definition of bluff

Noun

1. An act of bluffing; an expression of self-confidence for the purpose of intimidation; braggadocio.That is only bluff, or a bluff.
2. (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.
3. (US, dated) The card game poker.

Verb

1. To make a bluff.John bluffed by betting without even a pair.
2. To frighten or deter with a false show of strength or confidence.

Derived terms

• bluffer
• double bluff
• triple bluff
• quadruple bluff
• semi-bluff

Related to Middle Low German blaff, "smooth".

Noun

1. A high, steep bank, as by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.
2. (small wood) (Canadian Prairies) A small wood or stand of trees, typically poplar or willow.

Adjective

1. Having a broad, flattened front.the bluff bows of a ship
2. Rising steeply with a flat or rounded front.
• Falconera bluff or bold shore
• JuddIts banks, if not really steep, had a bluff and precipitous aspect.
3. Surly; churlish; gruff; rough.
• 1883: Robert Louis Stevenson, ... he had a bluff, rough-and-ready face, all roughened and reddened and lined in his long travels.
4. Abrupt; roughly frank; unceremonious; blunt; brusque.a bluff answer; a bluff manner of talking; a bluff sea captain
• I. TaylorThere is indeed a bluff pertinacity which is a proper defence in a moment of surprise.