"A puff" for "a homosexual" (or simply a not very manly male) is sometimes heard in British English, as a variant of "poof" (with a hint of "powderpuff").
I would say that it is used as a consciously dated term.
("Poof" itself has been reclaimed, to some extent; a well known tv singing quartet is called "Four poofs and a piano".)
MrP
I believe that is correct, although it may be dated. We don't hear it any more in Canada. Variant: poof.
Could you please tell me what does mean by 'dated' in this statement.
I guess that it means 'Old' . Is it correct?
Thanks in advance..
If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know: