What does buffo mean?
A buffo is a male singer who specializes in comic roles in opera, particularly in the Italian tradition. The term derives from Italian and is closely tied to the genre known as opera buffa, or Italian comic opera, where quick-witted, physically expressive characters drive the plot through rapid patter singing and farcical situations. A buffo — often a bass or bass-baritone, hence the common pairing 'basso buffo' — must combine solid vocal technique with genuine comic timing, since these roles demand both demanding music and theatrical clowning. Famous buffo roles include Dr. Bartolo in Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' and Leporello in Mozart's 'Don Giovanni.' Outside opera circles the word is rare, but it remains a standard term of art in criticism and program notes, denoting not just a funny part but a whole performing tradition in which laughter is produced at full voice.
A male singer who performs comic roles in opera, especially Italian comic opera.
"The production's buffo stole every scene with his rubber-faced antics and flawless patter."
Plural: buffi (Italian form). Frequently used in the fixed phrase 'basso buffo' for a comic bass.
The comic role or character itself in an opera.
"Mozart wrote the buffo of Leporello as the perfect foil to his aristocratic master."
The plural follows the Italian original; the anglicized 'buffos' is also seen but 'buffi' is preferred in musical writing.
"The festival gathered three of Europe's finest buffi for its Rossini program."
In Italian opera houses, the funniest man on stage isn't called a comedian — he's the 'basso buffo,' and he's usually singing bass notes while falling over.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of buffo
The word buffo comes from Italian, where it means 'comic' or 'droll,' and entered English in the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century alongside the growing popularity of Italian comic opera. It is related to 'buffone,' the Italian source of English 'buffoon,' ultimately tracing back through Italian to a root suggesting puffing out the cheeks — an apt image for a comic performer. Its feminine counterpart appears in 'opera buffa,' the genre term for Italian comic opera.
Related word forms
How buffo is actually used
A specialized term used almost exclusively in discussions of opera and classical music. The plural is the Italian 'buffi.' Related to 'opera buffa,' the genre of Italian comic opera. Often paired as 'basso buffo' for the comic bass singer.
Easily confused with buffo
A buffer is something that absorbs shock or separates things, while a buffo is a comic operatic singer or role.
A buffoon is a ridiculous but amusing person in general life, whereas a buffo specifically performs comic singing roles in opera.