poof

¹

[ poof, poof ]

interjection

1. (used to express or indicate a sudden disappearance):

   Poof! The magician made the rabbit disappear.

2. pooh ¹( def 1 ).

poof

²

[ poof, poof ]

noun

, British Slang.

1. Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a gay man.
2. Offensive. an effeminate male.

poof

/ pʊf; puːf /

noun

1. derogatory.
   a male homosexual

Derived Forms

• ˈpoofy, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of poof¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Origin of poof²

First recorded in 1840–50; from French pouffe “puff”; pouf ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of poof¹

C20: from French pouffe puff

Example Sentences

You believe that your body can make everything good; just one glimpse of your sculpted, toned beauty and—poof!

From The Daily Beast

The magic of landing my first role on Broadway went “poof” in a matter of a few weeks.

From The Daily Beast

Sure, the initial poof would seem pretty spectacular—car crashes, mothers sobbing over their strollers, that sort of stuff.

From The Daily Beast

Someone wins an election and, poof, they are a candidate for vice president.

From The Daily Beast

And poof, the horrifying details of violent forced sex disappear.

From The Daily Beast

Poof—crack—bang, went off another explosion; and up bounced Old Hellyer, as if a catapult had been applied below his seat.

From Project Gutenberg

You are not in the habit of discussing your love affairs quite so generously as I. Poof!

From Project Gutenberg

"Poof to United States," said the little man, snapping his fingers.

From Project Gutenberg

He had volunteered this service and accomplish it he must, in face of all obstacles, or poof!

From Project Gutenberg

Thinking of fresh yams and fruit, I pulled off the leaves, and there—poof!

From Project Gutenberg