bluff
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to try to trick someone by pretending you have a stronger position or more power than you actually have.
v.to deceive an opponent by a false show of confidence or strength, often to deter them from a specific action.
Simple“He was bluffing when he said he had another job offer waiting for him.”
In context“The negotiator was clearly bluffing about the company's willingness to walk away from the deal, hoping to secure a lower price through intimidation.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.an attempt to trick someone into believing something that is not true.
n.an instance of pretending to be in a stronger position than one is in reality.
Simple“The manager called his bluff and asked to see the evidence immediately.”
In context“When the opposition threatened to resign, the prime minister dismissed it as a desperate bluff intended to stall the upcoming vote.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
adj.having a very direct, honest, but slightly rough or unfriendly way of speaking.
adj.characterised by a direct, blunt, and hearty manner that may appear slightly rude or unrefined.
Simple“The old captain had a bluff manner that hid his kind heart.”
In context“Despite his bluff exterior and lack of formal etiquette, the landlord was deeply respected by the villagers for his unwavering integrity.”
Probably from Dutch bluffen (“to brag”), from Middle Dutch bluffen (“to make something swell; to bluff”); or from the Dutch noun bluf (“bragging”). Related to German verblüffen (“to stump, perplex”).
Related to Middle Low German blaff (“smooth”).
Possibly onomatopoeic, perhaps related to blow and puff.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.