boff: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang, Jargon (Theater)
Quick answer
What does “boff” mean?
To hit or strike someone playfully or lightly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To hit or strike someone playfully or lightly.
To engage in casual sexual activity, especially in informal or slang contexts; also used as a noun for a loud, hearty laugh or a success in entertainment (a 'boffo' hit).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both AmE and BrE understand the theatrical 'boffo' and the slang sexual meaning, though 'boffo' is more AmE. The playful hitting sense is archaic and not region-specific.
Connotations
The sexual slang is considered coarse and informal. Theatrical use is neutral within its domain. The hitting sense is old-fashioned and humorous.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general use. Mostly encountered in historical texts, old slang, or specific entertainment industry contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “boff” in a Sentence
VERB + OBJECT (She boffed him on the arm)HAVE + a + boff (slang)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boff” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He'd boff his mates on the shoulder for a laugh.
- They reportedly boffed after the party.
American English
- He boffed the guy lightly on the back.
- In the old story, the character just wanted to boff her.
adjective
British English
- The show was a boffo hit in the West End.
American English
- The movie had boffo opening weekend sales.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except perhaps in cultural studies discussing slang or theatre history.
Everyday
Very rare. The sexual slang might be understood but is coarse and dated.
Technical
In theater/film industry: 'The film was a boffo success.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boff”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Believing it is common modern slang.
- Confusing 'boff' (verb) with 'boffo' (adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very low frequency. You will likely only encounter it in historical contexts, old slang, or niche entertainment industry jargon ('boffo').
No. It is informal slang and would be inappropriate for academic or formal writing.
'Boff' is primarily a verb (to hit playfully or have sex). 'Boffo' is an adjective from theater/film jargon meaning 'very successful' or 'smash hit'.
Its slang meaning for sexual activity is coarse and informal, so it could be considered offensive in polite or formal company. The other meanings are not offensive.
To hit or strike someone playfully or lightly.
Boff is usually informal, slang, jargon (theater) in register.
Boff: in British English it is pronounced /bɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɑːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “boffo box office”
- “a real boff”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BOFF' like a 'BUFF' person giving a playful 'OFF'-hand hit.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPACT IS SUCCESS (theatrical 'boffo').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'boffo' most appropriately used?