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Ruff: meaning, definitions and examples

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ruff

 

[ rʌf ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

dog behavior

The term 'ruff' is commonly used to describe the sound made by a dog. It is often associated with barking, but can also indicate excitement or alertness. This vocalization can vary in tone and volume depending on the dog's mood and intent. While 'ruff' is typically a playful or jovial sound, it can also serve as a warning to intruders or other animals. Understanding the context of a dog's 'ruff' is crucial for interpreting its feelings and intentions.

Synonyms

bark, growl, woof

Examples of usage

  • The dog let out a loud ruff when it saw the mailman.
  • I love it when my puppy gives a happy ruff during playtime.
  • His ruff echoed through the park, attracting the attention of other dogs.
Context #2 | Verb

dog communication

When used as a verb, 'ruff' describes the action of making the barking sound, typically done by dogs. It showcases their ability to communicate various emotions, including happiness, fear, or irritation. Dogs might ruff at strangers, during playtime, or when responding to other animals. The sound can signify a range of feelings, and it is important for dog owners to be familiar with the different circumstances under which their pets ruff. Timing and context are essential to understanding the communication.

Synonyms

bark, call, yap

Examples of usage

  • The dog ruffed at the squirrels in the yard.
  • She ruffed in excitement when her owner arrived home.
  • The puppy ruffed in response to its friend across the street.

Translations

Translations of the word "ruff" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ruff

🇮🇳 रफ

🇩🇪 rau

🇮🇩 kasar

🇺🇦 грубий

🇵🇱 szorstki

🇯🇵 ラフ

🇫🇷 rugueux

🇪🇸 áspero

🇹🇷 pürüzlü

🇰🇷 거친

🇸🇦 خشن

🇨🇿 hrubý

🇸🇰 hrubý

🇨🇳 粗糙

🇸🇮 groba

🇮🇸 grófur

🇰🇿 қатал

🇬🇪 კრუ უშვება

🇦🇿 bərk

🇲🇽 áspero

Etymology

The word 'ruff' dates back to Middle English and is an onomatopoeic term, capturing the sound made by dogs. It is thought that the spelling evolved from the sounds that early English speakers associated with dog vocalizations. The use of 'ruff' reflects a phonetic representation of a dog's bark, which has been recognized across various cultures. Earlier forms of the word can be traced in literature from the 16th century, where authors began to depict canine sounds in a more descriptive manner. Over time, 'ruff' has become a common colloquial term in the English language, often used affectionately towards dogs and their unique ways of expressing themselves.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,179, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.