IPA: //ˈblʌf.nəs//
KK: /blʌf.nəs/
The quality of being direct and blunt in manner, often in a way that is friendly or straightforward.
His bluffness made him popular among his friends, as they appreciated his honesty.
The word 'bluffness' is derived from 'bluff' (from Dutch 'bluf', meaning to deceive or mislead) and the suffix '-ness' (meaning the state or quality of). Therefore, 'bluffness' refers to the quality of being deceptive or misleading, often in a bold or brash manner.
Think of the word 'bluff' which means to deceive, and remember that 'bluffness' describes the quality of being deceptive.