Bluffing: meaning, definitions and examples

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bluffing

[ ˈblʌfɪŋ ]

^{Context #1}

in a game

Attempting to deceive someone into believing something that is not true, especially in a game or competition.

Synonyms

deceive, dupe, mislead, trick

Examples of usage

He was bluffing about his hand in poker.
She's very good at bluffing her opponents in chess.

^{Context #2}

in conversation

Talking or acting in a way that is not sincere or honest, often to avoid confrontation or unpleasant situations.

Synonyms

fabricate, fake, feign, pretend

Examples of usage

He's bluffing when he says he doesn't know what happened.
She bluffed her way through the interview.

^{Context #3}

general

An act of deceiving or pretending, especially in a game or negotiation.

Synonyms

deception, feint, pretending, pretense

Examples of usage

His claim was just a bluff to gain an advantage.
The threat turned out to be a bluff.

Translations

Translations of the word "bluffing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 blefe

🇮🇳 धोखा देना

🇩🇪 bluffen

🇮🇩 menggertak

🇺🇦 блеф

🇵🇱 blefowanie

🇯🇵 ブラフ

🇫🇷 bluff

🇪🇸 farolear

🇹🇷 blöf yapmak

🇰🇷 허세

🇸🇦 خداع

🇨🇿 blafování

🇸🇰 blafovanie

🇨🇳 虚张声势

🇸🇮 blefiranje

🇮🇸 blekking

🇰🇿 алдау

🇬🇪 ბლეფი

🇦🇿 böhtan

🇲🇽 farolear

Word origin

The word 'bluffing' originated in the mid-19th century as a term used in poker to describe a player who pretends to have a better hand than they actually do. It has since evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts where deception or pretense is involved, such as negotiations, conversations, and social interactions. The act of bluffing can be traced back to the Old Norse word 'blafra' which means 'to deceive or mislead.' Over time, 'bluffing' has become a common strategy in various competitive situations where appearing stronger or more knowledgeable than one actually is can provide an advantage.