buff

Buff is a color term describing a pale yellow-brown shade similar to buff leather. The color ranges from light tan to warm beige and is widely used in fashion, interior design, and military equipment descriptions. In design contexts, buff pairs well with earth tones and muted blues, providing a neutral, warm undertone.

As a verb, buff means to polish a surface by rubbing, often with a soft cloth or a buffing wheel and compound. Buffing produces a smooth, shiny finish and can remove minor scratches or oxidation on metal, wood, or plastic. The noun form can refer to the act or the resulting sheen.

Buff as a noun refers to a person who is an enthusiast or expert in a particular field, such as a film buff or history buff. This usage is informal and common in everyday speech, signaling a high level of interest and knowledge without implying professional status.

In video games and software, a buff is a temporary positive effect that enhances a character's abilities, attributes, or defenses. Buffs may have limited duration and can stack with other buffs. The opposite effect is often called a debuff.

Related uses include buff leather and buff color in uniforms and equipment, a reference to the light brown shade of processed hides. The term is closely related to, but distinct from, buffer, a term used in computing and data handling for a temporary storage area.