buffo

[ boo-foh; Italian boof-faw ]

noun

, Music.

, plural buf·fi [boo, -fee, boof, -fee], buf·fos.

1. (in opera) a comedy part, usually bass.
2. a male opera singer who specializes in comic roles.

buffo

/ ˈbʊfəʊ; ˈbuffo /

noun

1. (in Italian opera of the 18th century) a comic part, esp one for a bass
2. Also calledbuffo bassbasso buffoˈbasso ˈbuffo a bass singer who performs such a part

Word History and Origins

Origin of buffo¹

1755–65; < Italian: ridiculous, comic actor who takes comic parts; back formation from buffone buffoon

Word History and Origins

Origin of buffo¹

C18: from Italian (adj): comic, from buffo (n) buffoon

Example Sentences

That, my dear Buffo,” I replied, “is on account of the lava.

From Project Gutenberg

I will tell you presently,” replied the buffo, “we must first go upstairs.

From Project Gutenberg

And this must be Rosina,” whispered the buffo; “Dio mio, how death has aged her!

From Project Gutenberg

The buffo said they had made the experiment of shortening it.

From Project Gutenberg

So you see, Buffo, you need not trouble about your clothes if you want to appear English.

From Project Gutenberg