buffet

[bəˈfeɪ (noun) / bəˈfeɪ (verb) / ˈbʌfeɪ (noun - alternative)]
noun/verbmasculinepl: buffets
bufê
1. (noun) A meal where guests serve themselves from a selection of dishes arranged on a table or counter
We attended a wedding buffet with various international cuisines.
Fomos a um bufê de casamento com várias cozinhas internacionais.
2. (noun) A counter or table where food and drinks are displayed for self-service
The buffet table was laden with appetizers and desserts.
A mesa do bufê estava carregada de aperitivos e sobremesas.
3. (noun) A cupboard or sideboard, typically used for storing dishes or displaying decorative items
She kept her fine china in the dining room buffet.
Ela guardava sua porcelana fina no bufê da sala de jantar.
4. (verb) To strike repeatedly; to hit or knock against something
The waves buffeted the boat throughout the night.
As ondas golpeavam o barco durante toda a noite.
5. (verb) To treat roughly or inconsiderately; to subject to hardship
He has been buffeted by life's challenges.
Ele foi afetado pelos desafios da vida.
In Brazil, bufês are extremely popular and widely available, ranging from casual 'por quilo' (pay-by-weight) establishments to upscale event catering. In the USA, buffet-style dining became particularly popular during the mid-20th century and remains common in casual dining and ethnic restaurants. The verb form 'buffet' (meaning to strike) is less commonly used in modern English but remains in formal or literary contexts.
NYC Slang
spread (informal for buffet meal arrangement)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
smorgasbordself-servicespreadsideboardhitstrikebatterpummel
Antonyms / Antônimos
à la cartecaressfondle

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
bufê
Most common term for self-service meal restaurant
Rio de Janeiro
bufê
Standard usage; sometimes 'rodízio' for rotating meat service
São Paulo
bufê
Standard usage; 'por quilo' often used for pay-by-weight buffets
Portugal
bufete
Portuguese spelling and pronunciation differ slightly; 'receção ao bufete' for reception

Related Words

appetizerentréedessertservingcuisinecateringsideboardcabinet

Related Idioms & Phrases

all you can eat buffet
buffet of options
life's buffets (hardships)
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