In literature, “buff” serves multiple functions that enrich description and characterization. It is often used as an adjective to describe a light tan or yellowish hue, lending a warm, natural quality to environments and objects—consider the pleasant buff walls and bunting in settings from Dickens to Hardy ([1], [2], [3]). The term also appears in detailed portrayals of clothing and materials, as seen in references to buff waistcoats, buff stockings, and even leather derived from buffalo skin, which evoke both texture and social nuance ([4], [5], [6]). Additionally, “buff” enters the narrative playfully in the context of games—with several texts using the phrase “blind man’s buff” to capture moments of levity or tactical intrigue ([7], [8], [9]). Together, these uses underscore the word’s flexibility and its power to convey both the literal color of things and a more figurative sense of style and spirited activity.
- It was a low house, with smooth grey thatch and buff walls, looking pleasant and mellow in the evening light.
— from Adam Bede by George Eliot
- The pews everywhere were painted of a buff or yellowish hue, with the exception of the rims at the top, which were black.
— from Toronto of Old by Henry Scadding
- A corridor was in course of erection from the entrance to the hall staircase, of gay red and buff bunting.
— from Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy
- The waistcoat is of buff satin, the breeches of black satin, cream-colored stockings, pumps, and the hair is powdered.
— from Etiquette by Emily Post
- I saw him try on his buff coat and hatpiece covered with black velvet.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys
- Buff , s. Leather prepared from the skin of the buffalo, used for waist-belts, pouches, &c.; a colour.
— from The Field Book: or, Sports and pastimes of the United Kingdom
compiled from the best authorities, ancient and modern by W. H. (William Hamilton) Maxwell
- We could play blind man's buff in the old kitchen with great zest without running over stoves.
— from Charles Carleton Coffin: War Correspondent, Traveller, Author, and Statesman by William Elliot Griffis
- Now, if they offered to waddle along with their bellies forwards, you would have thought they were then playing at blindman’s buff.
— from Gargantua and Pantagruel by François Rabelais
- Some played at blindman’s buff, others at tag.
— from The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi