Boffo
/ˈbɒf.oʊ/noun
Highly successful, especially in entertainment or at the box office.
Did you know?The word became popular in American show-business journalism, especially Variety, where compressed slang helped headlines announce commercial triumphs.
Etymological Timeline
Early 20th Century
American English
box office
“The place or business handling ticket sales, and by extension a production’s ticket revenue.”
1930s–1940s
American English
boff
“Show-business slang associated with a major hit or successful performance.”
1940s–1950s
American English
boffo
“Outstandingly successful, particularly in theatrical or cinematic terms.”
20th Century
American English
boffo
“A slang adjective used by critics, publicists, and entertainment journalists for a spectacular success.”
Modern English
English
boffo
“Highly successful or commercially popular, often used humorously or in entertainment contexts.”