boff

The term "boff" can refer to several distinct concepts, primarily in informal British English and in the context of theatre. Most commonly, "boff" is used as an exclamation or a sound effect to denote a heavy impact or a sudden, forceful action. It can also be used as a verb meaning to strike something forcefully. For example, one might say "He boffed him on the head" or describe a loud noise as a "boff."

In the realm of theatre, particularly in comedy, "boff" is closely associated with a "boffo" laugh. This refers to a particularly loud, hearty, or uproarious laugh elicited from the audience, often as a result of a joke or a comedic situation. A play or performance that consistently generates "boffo" laughs can be considered highly successful in its comedic aims. The word itself is sometimes used as a verb in this context, meaning to cause such a laugh. For instance, a comedian might aim to "boff" the audience with their punchline. The origin of this theatrical usage is generally attributed to American slang, possibly derived from the sound of laughter itself.