bluff

Meanings

Noun

• An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one's position in order to intimidate; braggadocio.
• An attempt to represent oneself as holding a stronger hand than one actually does.
• The card game poker.
• One who bluffs; a bluffer.
• An excuse.
• A high, steep bank, for example by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.
• A small wood or stand of trees, typically poplar or willow.

Verb

• To make a bluff; to give the impression that one's hand is stronger than it is.
• To frighten or deter with a false show of strength or confidence; to give a false impression of strength or temerity in order to intimidate and gain some advantage.
• To take advantage by bluffing.
• To give false information intentionally; to lie; to deceive
• To fluff, puff or swell up.

Adjective

• Having a broad, flattened front.
• Rising steeply with a flat or rounded front.
• Surly; churlish; gruff; rough.
• Roughly frank and hearty in one's manners.

Origin

• Probably from Dutch bluffen ("to brag"), from Middle Dutch bluffen ("to make something swell; to bluff"); or from the Dutch noun bluf. Related to German verblüffen.
• Related to Middle Low German blaff.
• Possibly onomatopoeic, perhaps related to blow and puff.