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Buffalo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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buffalo

[ˈbʌf.ə.ləʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

A large mammal with horns, native to Africa and Asia. Buffaloes are known for their strength and are often used for farming purposes.

Synonyms

bison, ox.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
buffalo

This term is often used in the context of American wildlife, referring specifically to the American buffalo or bison. It can also colloquially refer to the animal in general or be used in the famous phrase 'Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo', which is a grammatically correct sentence.

  • The buffalo roamed freely across the plains.
  • Have you ever seen a buffalo up close?
bison

This word is scientifically precise and is used when talking about the species that includes the American bison and European bison. It is often used in academic or wildlife conservation settings.

  • The American bison is a symbol of the Great Plains.
  • Bison populations are gradually being restored in some national parks.
ox

This term is generally used to refer to bovine animals that are domesticated and trained as draft animals, particularly in farming and other agricultural uses. It can also symbolize strength and hard work.

  • The farmer used an ox to plow the field.
  • The ox cart was loaded with vegetables.

Examples of usage

  • The buffalo grazed peacefully in the field.
  • Buffaloes are important animals in many cultures for their role in agriculture.
Context #2 | Noun

city

A city in western New York, known for Niagara Falls and the Buffalo Bills football team.

Examples of usage

  • I visited Buffalo last summer and saw the beautiful Niagara Falls.
  • The Buffalo Bills are a popular NFL team.
Context #3 | Verb

intimidate

To bully or intimidate someone.

Synonyms

bully, intimidate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
buffalo

This word, when used as a verb, means to confuse or baffle someone. This usage is relatively rare and can often be misunderstood.

  • The lawyer's complex argument seemed to buffalo the jury.
bully

This word denotes someone who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker. It often has a negative connotation and is commonly used in contexts involving school or workplace harassment.

  • The bigger kids used to bully him during recess.
  • Workplace policies are in place to protect employees from being bullied by their colleagues.
intimidate

This term means making someone feel frightened or overawed, especially in order to make them do what one wants. It can be used in both negative and neutral contexts.

  • The tall man's presence seemed to intimidate everyone in the room.
  • The competitor tried to intimidate their opponent before the match.

Examples of usage

  • He tried to buffalo his way through the negotiation.
  • Don't let him buffalo you into doing something you don't want to do.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Buffalo are a symbol of strength and resilience for many Native American tribes, representing abundance and determination.
  • The city of Buffalo in New York is named after the animal, highlighting its historical significance in the region.

Environmental Impact

  • Buffalo played a crucial role in maintaining the health of the grassland ecosystem by grazing and promoting new plant growth.
  • The near extinction of buffalo in the 19th century significantly impacted the prairie ecosystem and many species that depended on it.

Historical Context

  • During the 1800s, millions of buffalo roamed the Great Plains, but by the end of that century, their numbers had dwindled to near extinction due to overhunting.
  • Conservation efforts in the 20th century helped recover buffalo populations, leading to their protected status in several national parks.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo' is a famous example of how homonyms can create a grammatically correct sentence in English.
  • Buffalo has been featured in various films and literature as a symbol of the wild American frontier and the spirit of nature.

Origin of 'buffalo'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'buffalo' comes from the French word 'buffle,' which is derived from the Latin 'bufalus,' referring to the water buffalo.
  • In American English, 'buffalo' is often used to mean the American bison, even though they are different animals.

The word 'buffalo' has a complex history, with multiple meanings and origins. The animal buffalo comes from the Greek word 'boubalos', while the city Buffalo in New York is named after the nearby Buffalo Creek. The verb 'buffalo' meaning to intimidate is thought to have originated in the American West, where buffalo hunters were known for their tough and aggressive tactics.

See also: buff, buffet, buffing, rebuff.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,912 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.