There are two meanings of buff but I’m interested in the third meaning of buff.
A buff is a person who has an interest in something. He is so strongly interested in something that you can tell a friend of yours, “John is a war buff.”
If you are interested or love cats I would call you a cat buff. If you are interested in moon, a moon buff and if you love reggae so much, a reggae buff.
Origin of the word
Where did the word originated from? According to VOA (Voice of America), the word originated in New York about two hundred years ago.
Back then, New York was growing in heights as a city. The buildings during that period were constructed from wood and brick. Many of the buildings were old and it was common for fire to break out from these old buildings.
The fire departments were not well-organized. Whenever a fire broke out, people would leave what they were doing and rush to the scene to assist in putting the fire out.
It was noted the fire departments required men who were trained as firefighters. However, it was a volunteering job. They would be trained and when fire broke out, they would stop doing what they were doing even if they were paid and go to scene to fight the fire.
The volunteers were mostly young men. In cold weather, these volunteers would wear coats made of buffalo’s skin. This was to keep them warm and dry.
The term ‘fire buff’ was invented to mean any man who would rush to assist in putting out fire when fire alarm bell rang.
Over the years, the word ‘buff’ changed its meaning to mean something a person is strongly interested in or loves so much.
Woow, thanks for sharing very interesting content. I found out something new again
You’re welcome. Thank you and glad you enjoyed reading this article.
This was something different to read, thank you!
Thank you my friend, Carol DM. I’m glad you enjoyed reading this article.
Wow! This word associates for me with the surname of Johnny English’s friend
It’s nice to know that and the fact it reminds you of the surname of your English friend. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for sharing valuable information.
Thank you, Sharon. I’m glad you enjoyed reading the article.
Wow! That is really interesting………Thanks for the explanation
You are welcome, Pamela and thanks too for dropping by.
I have met some fire buffs in they past – they were called volunteer firefighters.
That’s interesting, Gloridaze. I have also come across volunteer firefighters not from fire departments who rush to assist to put out fire. Thanks for dropping your comment.
Just wanted to correct something. The people who volunteered to be trained as firefighters were never paid by the fire companies they were stationed at. Some of them were employed somewhere else but when duty called, they would leave what they were doing and head to the fire scene to battle fire.
Good knowledge of vocabulary
Yah, Witty. It’s good to spice writing with new words.
Thanks for sharing this interesting article . Now I know from where the word buff comes .
You are welcome, Dawn. That’s the origin of the word.