buff

• Adjectif utilisé pour décrire une personne très intéressée et bien informée sur un sujet particulier, ou pour décrire un corps physiquement en forme et musclé.

An adjective used to describe someone who is very interested in and knowledgeable about a particular subject, or to describe a body that is physically fit and muscular.

1. B1formal

   Of a pale yellowish-beige color, resembling that of buff leather.

   couleur chamois

   • She wore a buff-colored coat to the event.
   • The walls were painted a soft buff shade.
   • His uniform was made of buff fabric.

   Synonymesbeigecreamecrufawnkhakisandstrawtan

• Nom avec plusieurs sens : admirateur passionné ou passionné d'un sujet ; peau douce et épaisse non teinte ; peau nue ; couleur allant du beige moyen au brun clair ; ou outil de polissage.

A noun with multiple meanings: an enthusiastic admirer or follower of a particular subject; a soft, thick undyed leather; bare skin; a medium to dark tan color; or a polishing tool.

1. Enthusiast or fanB1informal

   A person who is very interested in and knowledgeable about a particular subject or activity.

   Passionné, mordu

   • He's a real film buff and knows everything about classic movies.
   • My uncle is a history buff who visits every museum in town.
   • She's a fitness buff and goes to the gym every day.

   Synonymesaddictadmireraficionadoconnoisseurdevoteeenthusiastexpertfanfanaticfreaklovernut

2. Soft leatherB2formal

   A soft, thick, undyed leather made from the skin of buffalo or oxen.

   Cuir souple non tanné

   • The jacket was made of high-quality buff leather.
   • He polished his shoes with a buff cloth.
   • The craftsman used buff to create a durable belt.

3. Naked skinB2informal

   The state of being without clothes; bare skin.

   Nu, à poil

   • The children were swimming in the buff at the lake.
   • He stood there in the buff, shivering from the cold.
   • They sunbathed in the buff on the private beach.

   Synonymesbarenessnakednessnudityundress

4. B1formal

   A medium to dark tan color, similar to that of buff leather.

   Couleur chamois

   • She painted the walls a warm buff color.
   • The uniform was a shade of buff.
   • The sunset had a beautiful buff hue.

   Synonymesbeigeecrufawnstrawtan

5. Polishing toolB2formal

   A tool made of soft material mounted on a block, used for polishing, especially in manicuring.

   Outil de polissage

   • She used a buff to shine her nails.
   • The manicurist applied a buff to smooth the surface.
   • He polished the silver with a soft buff.

   Synonymesbufferpolisher

• Verbe désignant l'action de polir ou de rendre lisse une surface, et, dans un contexte informel, le fait d'améliorer, de renforcer ou de perfectionner quelque chose.

A verb used to indicate the act of polishing or making something smooth, or in informal contexts, to improve or enhance something.

1. Strike or beat repeatedlyB2informal

   To hit or strike someone or something repeatedly, often in a rough or aggressive manner.

   Frapper violemment et à répétition

   • The bully tried to buff the smaller kid in the hallway.
   • He buffed the punching bag with his fists.
   • The waves buffed the side of the boat during the storm.

   Synonymesbatterbeathammerpoundpummelthrash

2. Polish and make shinyB1formal

   To rub a surface, typically with a cloth or tool, to make it smooth and shiny.

   lustrer

   • She buffed her nails until they gleamed.
   • He buffed the car's paintwork to a high gloss.
   • The jeweler buffed the silver ring to remove tarnish.

   Synonymesburnishfurbishglosspolishshine

   Antonymesabradedullroughenscratchscufftarnish