# In the "Buff" **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 27, 2000, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-buff/6593 "2000-01-27T12:11:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2000, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-buff/6593/1 "2000-01-27T12:11:00Z")
It appears on this MB lots, you have seen it : “I’m a movie buff.” “I consider myself a history buff.” Just where did the term “buff” come from ? Has it always meant what it does in the above context ? Or is this in fact a roque slang term ? Hmmmmmm . . . . Any ideas SD people ? * * * “Solos Dios basta” . . . but a little pizza won’t hurt. ---
**Author:** ![Guy\_Propski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/5e9695/32.png) [@Guy\_Propski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guy_Propski)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2000, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-buff/6593/2 "2000-01-27T13:33:00Z")
This might help a little; it’s from the American Heritage Dictionary: buff–one who is enthusiastic and knowledgable about a given subject. (from the buff-colored uniform worn by New York volunteer firemen at one time) My WAG–a fireman could be considered a person in authority, so people who were experts in a field were called “buffs” as a salute/association with the old-time firemen. ---
**Author:** ![Fleetwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fleetwood/32/271_2.png) [@Fleetwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fleetwood)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2000, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-buff/6593/3 "2000-01-27T13:47:00Z")
Maybe they like pursuing their hobbies in the buff? ---
**Author:** ![frolix8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f04885/32.png) [@frolix8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/frolix8)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2000, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-buff/6593/4 "2000-01-27T14:29:00Z")
Here ya go: [http://www.quinion.com/words/topicalwords/tw-buf1.htm](http://www.quinion.com/words/topicalwords/tw-buf1.htm) ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2000, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-buff/6593/5 "2000-01-27T16:02:00Z")
Thanks, Frolix, that did help . . . but it is legit ? I still seek others help. * * * “Solos Dios basta” . . . but a little pizza won’t hurt. ---
**Author:** ![Myron\_Van\_Horowitzski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de053/32.png) [@Myron\_Van\_Horowitzski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myron_Van_Horowitzski)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2000, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-buff/6593/6 "2000-01-27T19:17:00Z")
“Buff” is the name of a color. Sort of light brownish-pink, I think, like Caucasian skin tone? ---
**Author:** ![aseymayo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a88e57/32.png) [@aseymayo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aseymayo)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2000, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-buff/6593/7 "2000-01-28T01:42:00Z")
Awww, I had this nifty little theory going about “buff” being a variation of the British “boffin” - a scientist - and by extension, a know-it-all. Yes, thanks, frolix - it’s a great site and went straight into my reference bookmarks. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_Bowe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df788c/32.png) [@Doug\_Bowe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_Bowe)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2000, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-buff/6593/8 "2000-01-28T04:52:00Z")
Wow! That site is bookmarked now. Thanks, frolix.