buffle

buffalo

noun boo-FUL Rare

Origin: Portuguese búfalo, from Latin bubalus

Usage Note

Buffle typically refers to the African Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer), one of the 'Big Five' game animals. In French it is distinct from bison (American bison); the Asian water buffalo is buffle d'eau or buffle d'Asie. Used figuratively and colloquially of a person, un buffle suggests someone brutish or slow-witted.

Examples

"Le buffle charge sans avertissement."

Natural Translation

The buffalo charges without warning.

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