bluff

¹bluff

adj \ˈbləf\

Definition of BLUFF

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

Examples of BLUFF

1. <he's a bluff but good-hearted teacher>

Origin of BLUFF

obsolete Dutch blaf flat; akin to Middle Low German blaff smooth

First Known Use: 1627

Related to BLUFF

Synonyms: abrupt, blunt, brusque (also brusk), crusty, curt, downright, short, short-spoken, snippy, unceremonious

Antonyms: circuitous, mealymouthed

Related Words: gruff, rough, snappish; candid, direct, forthright, foursquare, frank, free-spoken, open, outspoken, plain, plainspoken, point-blank, straightforward, straight-out; artless, discourteous, disrespectful, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, insensitive, rude, tactless, undiplomatic; brief, closemouthed, laconic, reserved, reticent, terse, tight-lipped; earnest, honest, sincere; coarse, crass, crude, low, uncouth, vulgar

Near Antonyms: civil, considerate, courteous, diplomatic, gracious, polite, politic, smooth, suave, tactful; loquacious, talkative, voluble; long-winded, prolix, verbose; courtly, cultivated, gallant, genteel, polished, refined

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Synonym Discussion of BLUFF

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>.

Rhymes with BLUFF

buff, chough, chuff, cuff, duff, fluff, gruff, guff, huff, luff, muff, puff, rough, ruff, scruff, scuff, slough, snuff, sough, stuff, tough, tuff