verb
buffalo
to puzzle or confuse someone
The confusing instructions buffalo even the most experienced players.
Etymology
The animal’s name became a slang verb for intimidating or overawing someone. From leaving someone overwhelmed and unsure how to respond, the verb also developed the sense of puzzling or confusing.
More examples
- That last riddle completely buffaloed me.
- She refused to let the technical jargon buffalo her.
- The puzzle kept buffaloing the entire group.
Forms
buffalo · buffaloes · buffaloed · buffaloing
Similar words
- baffle
- A more common neutral term for causing confusion.