I. ˈbləf adjective
Etymology: obsolete Dutch blaf flat; akin to Middle Low German blaff smooth
Date: 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 adverb
• bluff·ness noun
Synonyms:
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
II. noun
Date: 1666
: a high steep bank : cliff
III. verb
Etymology: probably from Dutch bluffen to boast, play a kind of card game
Date: 1791
transitive verb
1.
a. : to deter or frighten by pretense or a mere show of strength
b. : deceive
c. : feign
the catcher bluff ed a throw to first
2. : to deceive (an opponent) in cards by a bold bet on an inferior hand
intransitive verb
: to bluff someone : act deceptively
• bluff·er noun
IV. noun
Date: 1845
1.
a. : an act or instance of bluffing
b. : the practice of bluffing
2. : one who bluffs