[bluff] adj [obs. D blaf flat; akin to MLG blaff smooth] (1627) 1 a: having a broad flattened front b: rising steeply with a broad flat or rounded front
2: good-naturedly frank and outspoken -- bluff.ly adv -- bluff.ness n syn bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner. bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality "a bluff manner". blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings "a blunt appraisal". brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness "a brusque response". curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness "a curt command". crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness "a crusty exterior". gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness "puts on a gruff pose".
[2]bluff n (1666): a high steep bank: cliff [3]bluff vb [prob. fr. D bluffen to boast, play a kind of card game] vt (1839) 1 a: to deter or frighten by pretense or a mere show of strength b: deceive c: feign "the catcher ~ed a throw to first"
2: to deceive (an opponent) in cards by a bold bet on an inferior hand ~ vi: to bluff someone: act deceptively -- bluff.er n [4]bluff n (1845) 1 a: an act or instance of bluffing b: the practice of bluffing
2: one who bluffs