A buff is someone with a keen interest in a subject that is not related to his or her profession.
The term was coined by New York firemen, who were often hindered by crowds who gathered at fires either to help or stand around and criticize.
At the time, around 1900, most winter coats worn by the spectators were made of buffalo hide, and from those the firemen came up with the derogatory term “buffs” to describe those pesky amateur critics.
An enthusiastic amateur is often referred to as a “buff”.
Related Posts
-
Where does the term “blindman’s buff” come from and What does blindman’s buff mean?
Will Shakespeare probably played blindman's buff when he was boy. At least he could have; the children of his day did play it, and were, perhaps, no more gentle in the sport than…
-
Where does the phrase “stripped to the buff” come from and What does it mean?
The word buff, as we use it most frequently today, is a color, a light yellow. But it is also the name given to a soft, undyed and unglazed leather, especially a leather…
-
What Does the Term “A1 Condition” Mean and Where Did the Term Come From?
In their early days, Lloyd's of London used an "A list" to classify sailing ships for insurance purposes. Only vessels meeting strict specifications would go to the top of that list, where they…
-
What Does the Term “Alma Mater” Mean and Where Did the Term Come From?
It all starts in kindergarten, a German concept meaning "children's garden," where the atmosphere for learning should be as pleasant for a child as being in a garden. School follows the same philosophy…
-
What Does the Term “Straw Boss” Mean and Where Did the Term For Work Supervisor Come From?
A straw boss is usually a supervisor or foreman of menial work, and the label comes from the farm. The "big boss" was in charge of the entire threshing crew, whose main task…
-
Where Did the Term “Noon Hour” Come From and What Did the Term For Midday Mean Originally?
The "noon hour" has shifted several times throughout history, and at one time, when Christians prayed twice a day, it meant both midday and midnight. In the original Old English the noon hour…
