buff
BUF
/bʌf/
To polish or shine a surface, especially nails, using a soft material or a mild abrasive.
Buffing nails smooths out ridges and creates a natural shine without the chemical application of polish.
The story behind the word. The word buff comes from 'buffle', the French word for buffalo. In the 16th century, buffalo leather (buff leather) was widely used to polish metal and other hard surfaces. Eventually, the action of using this soft leather to shine things became known as 'buffing'.
Word relationships
- polish: Polish often implies adding a chemical coating, whereas buffing shines the surface through friction and mild abrasion.
- burnish: Burnish is typically used for metal or leather, while buff is the preferred term for nails and softer surfaces.
Commonly confused with
- file: Filing shapes and shortens the edges of the nail, while buffing smooths and shines the flat surface of the nail plate.
Word family
- buffer (noun): A tool or machine used for buffing.
Collocations
- buff the nails
- nail buffer
- buff to a shine
- gently buff
Example sentences
- "You should buff your nails gently to create a smooth surface before applying any lacquer." A tutorial on achieving a natural nail look.
Memory hook
Think of a buff (muscular) person polishing a car or a nail until it shines. Shine with friction.
When not to use
Do not use 'buff' if you are aggressively filing the nail down to reduce its length; that is filing, not buffing.
Fun facts
- The term 'in the buff' (meaning naked) comes from the color of buff leather, which closely resembles human skin.
- Buffing too frequently can thin the nail plate, so experts recommend doing it only once a month.
Related words
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