Definition of the word poof

The word "poof" initially entered the English lexicon in the 1920s, particularly in the United Kingdom's gay and effeminate subculture. It was primarily used as a slang term to describe a homosexual man, particularly regarding his appearance or mannerisms, often with a derogatory or dismissive connotation. The meaning of "poof" evolved over time, and in the 1960s and 1970s, it became a term associated with male homosexuals as a whole rather than being limited to those with effeminate characteristics. The origin of the word "poof" is uncertain. Some believe it derives from the Portuguese word "puf" for fart, which was used as a bawdy, slang term for male genitalia in the 19th century. Others suggest that it's an abbreviation of "poofter," which was a slang term for homosexual men in British English during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nonetheless, the use of "poof" as an insultive term for homosexual men has declined since the 1990s, particularly due to increased awareness of the harmfulness of homophobia and efforts to promote more inclusive language in society. Today, the word "poof" is less commonly used except in limited contexts, such as in adaptation of period dramas and movies set in earlier times.