bluff

Definition

An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one’s position in order to intimidate or deceive; braggadocio.

Etymology

Probably from Dutch bluffen (“to brag”), from Middle Dutch bluffen (“to make something swell; to bluff”); or from the Dutch noun bluf (“bragging”). Related to German verblüffen (“to stump, perplex”).

Example Sentences

• "That is only bluff, or That is only a bluff."
• "John’s bet was a bluff: he bet without even so much as a pair."
• "BLUFF OR POKER [title of a chapter]"