Meaning & Definition of word "Bluff"

Bluff

/blʌf/

noun:

  • 1. A steep cliff or bank.
    • Example: The hikers stopped to enjoy the view from the bluff overlooking the river.
  • 2. An attempt to deceive someone; a false display of confidence.
    • Example: Her bold statement was just a bluff to hide her uncertainty.

verb:

  • 1. To deceive or trick someone into believing something that is not true, often by pretending to be stronger or more confident than one actually is.
    • Example: He tried to bluff his way through the interview by pretending to have experience he lacked.
  • 2. To create a false impression, especially in a game or competition.
    • Example: In poker, players often bluff to make their opponents fold.

Etymology

Originated from the Dutch word 'bluffen', meaning to puff or swell.

Common Phrases and Expressions

call someone's bluff:

To challenge someone to prove their claims or assertions.

bluff one's way through:

To manage to skip through something with insincerity or deceit.

bluff it out:

To handle a difficult situation with boldness.

put up a bluff:

To create a facade or misleading impression.

Related Words

deception:

The act of deceiving or misleading.

pretend:

To act as if something is true when it is not.

sham:

Something that is not what it purports to be.

falsity:

The quality of being untrue.

Slang Meanings of bluff

Meaning: To bluff someone off their game

Example Sentence: He really bluffed me off my game during that last hand.

Meaning: Bluffing in conversation

Example Sentence: She was just bluffing in conversation to sound more knowledgeable.