Poof/Poofter

Origin of: Poof/Poofter

Poof/Poofter

A poof is an effeminate male homosexual and is British slang that dates from the mid-19th century, possibly from poof, an imitative vocal gesture of disdain or contempt that dates from the early 19th century. Poofter is the Australian version dating from c.1912, which also became popular in Britain.