buffalo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2General, with the verb sense being informal.
Quick answer
What does “buffalo” mean?
A large North American bison (Bison bison), characterized by a large head, humped shoulders, and shaggy dark brown coat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large North American bison (Bison bison), characterized by a large head, humped shoulders, and shaggy dark brown coat.
To intimidate, confuse, or outwit someone; to impress or cow someone into submission. Also used to refer to various large bovine animals in other regions (e.g., African or water buffalo).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The animal is less culturally salient in the UK, where it is primarily a zoo animal. In the US, it holds significant historical and cultural weight. The verb sense 'to buffalo' is more common in American English.
Connotations
In US English, the noun often evokes the frontier, Native American history, and conservation. In both varieties, the verb connotes forceful, sometimes deceptive, pressure.
Frequency
The noun is moderately frequent in US English, especially in historical or cultural contexts. The verb is low-frequency and informal in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “buffalo” in a Sentence
[S] buffalo [O] (verb)a herd of buffalo (noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “buffalo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- His bluster failed to buffalo the seasoned barrister.
- Don't try to buffalo me with your technical jargon.
American English
- The prosecutor tried to buffalo the witness, but she held her ground.
- You can't buffalo us into agreeing to a bad deal.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use. This field is left empty.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use. This field is left empty.)
adjective
British English
- He ordered a plate of buffalo chicken dippers.
- The fabric had a buffalo check pattern.
American English
- We shared an order of buffalo cauliflower bites.
- He wore a classic red and black buffalo plaid shirt.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'Don't let the aggressive negotiations buffalo you.'
Academic
Used in historical, biological, or anthropological texts referring to the species Bison bison or its ecological/cultural role.
Everyday
Primarily the noun for the animal or the food (buffalo wings). The verb is understood but less common.
Technical
In zoology/biology: 'The plains buffalo is a keystone species.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “buffalo”
- Using 'buffalos' as the plural (acceptable but less common than 'buffalo'); 'buffaloes' is also correct.
- Confusing 'buffalo wings' (spicy chicken wings) with wings from the actual animal.
- Misspelling as 'bufallo' or 'buffallo'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In North America, 'buffalo' and 'bison' refer to the same animal (Bison bison), though 'buffalo' is technically a misnomer (true buffalo are species like the African Cape buffalo). Scientifically, 'bison' is more accurate for the North American animal.
Yes, informally, it means to intimidate, confuse, or overawe someone, e.g., 'He wasn't buffaloed by their threats.'
They are a popular American appetizer of chicken wings coated in a spicy vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter, traditionally served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. They are named after the city of Buffalo, New York, where they originated.
Yes, but its plural is usually identical to the singular (e.g., one buffalo, a herd of buffalo). The forms 'buffalos' and 'buffaloes' are also acceptable but less common.
A large North American bison (Bison bison), characterized by a large head, humped shoulders, and shaggy dark brown coat.
Buffalo is usually general, with the verb sense being informal. in register.
Buffalo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʌf.ə.ləʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʌf.ə.loʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to buffalo someone”
- “Where's the buffalo? (obscure, rhetorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A BUFF, ALOof animal -> BUFFALO. Or: The buff soldier wasn't low, he was a BUFFALO soldier.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTIMIDATION IS BEING CHARGED BY A LARGE ANIMAL (e.g., 'He buffaloed the committee'). POWER/STRENGTH IS A BUFFALO.
Practice
Quiz
In the famous grammatical sentence 'Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo,' what is the primary meaning of the lowercase 'buffalo'?