bluffer

Definition

A person who attempts to deceive others into believing they possess knowledge, competence, or confidence that they do not actually have.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 'bluff,' which emerged in the 17th century possibly from the Dutch 'verbluffen,' meaning to baffle or dazzle. It originally related to card games before evolving to describe any deceptive display of confidence.

In the news

The author describes international relations as a 'bluffer’s game' because experts often hide their lack of true understanding behind complexity and status to avoid being held accountable for past errors.

When we cease to understand the world

Paul Wells

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