buffo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized/Technical (Music, Opera, Literary Criticism)
Quick answer
What does “buffo” mean?
A comic male singer in opera, typically in the bass or baritone range.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A comic male singer in opera, typically in the bass or baritone range; a comic opera or its style.
Used to describe something deliberately comic, farcical, or burlesque in style, especially in the context of performance arts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
High-brow, niche, associated with classical music and opera criticism.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; found almost exclusively in texts about opera or historical musicology.
Grammar
How to Use “buffo” in a Sentence
The [ROLE] was sung by a renowned buffo.He specialised in [buffo roles].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “buffo” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bass was a master of the buffo style.
- He delivered a delightfully buffo performance.
American English
- The bass was a master of the buffo style.
- He delivered a delightfully buffo performance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in musicology, opera studies, and historical performance contexts.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard technical term within the field of opera.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “buffo”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “buffo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “buffo”
- Using 'buffo' to refer to any funny person (it's specifically operatic).
- Misspelling as 'buffa' when referring to a male singer (buffa is feminine/adjectival).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in the context of opera and classical music criticism.
'Opera buffa' refers to the genre of Italian comic opera. 'Buffo' (noun) refers to a male singer who performs comic roles within that genre, or (adjective) describes the comic style.
Traditionally, 'buffo' refers to male comic singers (basso/baritone buffo). Female comic roles in opera buffa exist but are not typically labelled 'buffo'; the term 'buffa' (as in 'prima buffa') is sometimes used but is rarer.
It is pronounced /ˈbʊfəʊ/ in British English and /ˈbʊfoʊ/ in American English, with the stress on the first syllable, rhyming with 'stuff oh'.
A comic male singer in opera, typically in the bass or baritone range.
Buffo is usually specialized/technical (music, opera, literary criticism) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a comic actor in an opera who BUFFs up (exaggerates) his performance for laughs — a BUFFO.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMEDY IS A LOW STYLE (contrasted with 'seria' or serious opera, which is 'high').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'buffo' be most appropriately used?