Bluffer
/ˈblʌf.ər/noun
A person who tries to deceive or impress others by pretending to have more confidence, skill, or knowledge than they really do.
Did you know?The core verb *bluff* likely came from Dutch or Low German meaning “to flatter or deceive,” and only later became the language of poker faces, fake bravado, and social enchantment.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
Dutch/Low German
bluffen
“to flatter, deceive, or brag”
16th–17th Century
English
bluff
“bold, boastful, or a false show of confidence”
17th–18th Century
English
bluffer
“one who bluffs; a deceiver or boastful pretender”
Modern English
English
bluffer
“a person who deceives by making a false show of confidence or ability”