In the buff

Meaning

The idiom "in the buff" refers to being completely naked or wearing nothing, usually in a non-sexual context. It can also mean being dressed in minimal clothing or revealing clothing.

Usage

• She accidentally locked herself in the bathroom while getting ready for work and had to call her husband to bring her clothes so she could be "in the buff" again.
• The model walked onto the stage "in the buff" to begin the fashion show.
• The hikers were caught "in the buff" by a sudden rainstorm, forcing them to seek shelter.
• The artist's latest painting depicts a nude figure "in the buff," causing controversy among some viewers.
• The swimmer was disqualified from the competition for using swimming goggles, which were considered "in the buff."

Roots and History

The idiom "in the buff" originated in the 16th century and comes from the Old English phrase "buffian," meaning to buff or polish. It was used in the context of someone being dressed in revealing clothing, such as a shirtless man or a woman wearing a low-cut dress. Over time, the idiom evolved to mean being completely naked or wearing minimal clothing, and its current usage reflects this shift in meaning. There are no significant cultural or regional variations of this idiom.

Synonyms in English

• Naked
• Undressed
• Bare
• Stripped
• Exposed

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: Desnudo/a (naked)
• French: Nu/e (naked)
• German: Nackt/e (naked)
• Italian: Nudo/a (naked)
• Russian: Безделка (beastliness, a slang term that can be used to refer to being naked or wearing revealing clothing).

Similar Idioms

• in hand

• in the good books

• in a fog