a bluff man vs a man of bluff

[Alexey86]

Hello! I was surprised to find that the word bluff has two very different, almost opposite meanings: to deceive (verb) or deception (noun) and to be too direct and honest (adjective) (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/bluff). We also have this word in Russian (we pronounce it almost like /blef/), but it only means deception.

I'd like to clarify one thing: does bluff always mean to be too direct and honest when it functions as an adjective? Are a bluff man and a man of bluff always different in meaning, and if I want to describe a man who often bluffs, only the latter works?

 

[GoesStation]

I'd like to clarify one thing: does bluff always mean to be too direct and honest when it functions as an adjective? Are a bluff man and a man of bluff [STRIKE]are[/STRIKE] always different in meaning, and if I want to describe a man who often bluffs, only the latter works?

"A man of bluff" is not possible. "Bluff" as an adjective is rarely used, at least in American English. People who use rare words should be careful to use them correctly, but it's not unusual for them to get mixed up.

 

[Alexey86]

"A man of bluff" is not possible. "Bluff" as an adjective is rarely used, at least in American English. People who use rare words should be careful to use them correctly, but it's not unusual for them to get mixed up.

Thank you! I deleted the extra "are" just before you replied.

 

[Alexey86]

"A man of bluff" is not possible.

I see. I came up with this by analogy with "a man of his word" or "a man of honor."

 

[GoesStation]

I see. I came up with this by analogy with "a man of his word" or "a man of honor."

Those phrases both end in a noun or a noun phrase. Perhaps more importantly, they're both semi-fixed phrases. If you wanted to follow that model, you'd have to write a man of bluffness. You'd be inventing an expression, though, which your readers would be very likely not to understand.

 

[Alexey86]

Those phrases both end in a noun or a noun phrase.

I used it as a noun because The Cambridge Dictionary allows this: it says "bluff" can function as a verb, noun or adjective. I've also found the expression "a game of bluff" (https://ludwig.guru/s/a+game+of+bluff). But if you as a native English speaker say "a man of bluff" sounds senseless or unnatural, I won't use it.

 

[GoesStation]

As you noted, the meaning of "bluff" as a noun is very different from its meaning as an adjective. The rare adjective "bluff" doesn't generally have a noun form, though I suppose "bluffness" may have been used here or there.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

As you noted, the meaning of "bluff" as a noun is very different from its meaning as an adjective. The rare adjective "bluff" doesn't generally have a noun form, though I suppose "bluffness" may have been used here or there.

You're being generous. It would probably just be an invented word.

So, as you say, it would be better not to use it — unless Alexey wants to call your bluff!

(Alexey, you can Google the definition of call someone's bluff.)