buff
UK: bʌf | US: bʌf
n. 1. A yellowish-beige color.
n. 2. A person who is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a particular subject (e.g., "a history buff").
vt. 3. To polish or shine a surface (e.g., "buff the floor").
adj. 4. (informal) Muscular or physically fit.
The word "buff" likely originates from the 16th-century term for buffalo leather, which was yellowish-beige in color and used to polish metal. Over time, "buff" expanded to describe the color itself, then metaphorically to enthusiasts (from the idea of "polishing" one's knowledge) and physical fitness (from the "shining" appearance of toned muscles).
She wore a dress in a soft buff shade.
He's a real film buff—he’s seen every classic movie.
The janitor buffed the floor until it gleamed.
After months at the gym, he looked seriously buff.
The museum attracts many history buffs.