"Buff" question for native English speakers

Jeff Crawley · Aug 15, 2019

And just when you thought it couldn't get any worse . . .

Ohio State University, home of Buckeyes, applies to trademark the word 'the'

David Tallan · Aug 15, 2019

Jeff Crawley said:
And just when you thought it couldn't get any worse . . .

Ohio State University, home of Buckeyes, applies to trademark the word 'the'

To be fair, they are only seeking to trademark the definite article when used in front of "Ohio State University" as part of the phrase "The Ohio State University", which is the former name of the school. The rest of us using the definite article don't have to worry about lawyer's letters from them.

Nigel Clark · Aug 15, 2019

The UK company Rohan call their buffs Neck Tubes.

Robo · Aug 15, 2019

dougfitz said:
Does it still exist as a separate and identifiable regiment, or has it gone the way of so many of those wonderful county regiments and been amalgamated out of existence?

Sadly Yes. Now Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshires).

Jeff Crawley · Aug 31, 2019

Stumbled upon a London based company called CONTRADO that will print off small batches of "neck warmers" to your personalised design:

If you just want one made they're £18 each but the price goes down as you order more. . . .

1 = £18 each

2, 3, 4 or 5 = £16 each

10 = £10 each

20 = £8 each

20 at £8 each might be of interest to a club or small group of pilgrims - I think you'd have to order a minimum of 200 if you buy custom Buffs.

Marbe2 · Aug 31, 2019

Interesting. I am an american. I never heard the word Buff...until I joined this forum and I have hiked in Europe for more than 30 years. Have used scarfs or Balaclavas...but no buffs....

Mycroft · Sep 1, 2019

So he could advertise them as
nekkid multi purpose head/neck protectors

Mycroft · Sep 1, 2019

OMG, Jeff! Isn't Scrunchy a trademarked company name too! They've stolen it for their own adverts!!

trecile · Sep 1, 2019

I was in an Eddie Bauer store the other day and they call their similar garment a Multiclava

Multiclava | Eddie Bauer

Shop Multiclava at Eddie Bauer. 100% Satisfaction guaranteed. Since 1920.

www.eddiebauer.com

theladypainted · Sep 1, 2019

ivar said:
Hola all,

I have a strange question.... it is regarding the word "Buff". What I mean is the clothing that one puts over ones head, like a scarf, but sown into a circle. Many of you have used it on the Camino I am sure.

I sell them on my store, but today got a message from a representative of the "Original Buff" company saying that I could not use the word buff to describe any product that is not made by them. That they had registered it as a trademark.

If this is the case (I need to look this up, is there a way to do this?), what could I use as a description for this piece of clothing? I thought it was "Buff"... much like t-shirt is a t-shirt. Since English is not my first language, I ask here.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Ivar

I think it is overkill on a company like that to go after a small operation like yours. A few years ago a local guy around my area (Minnesota) had Cartier coming after him because his insurance company had the same name.... difference? Cartier was HIS last name and he pronounced it carteer. I seem to remember he won.

NMMI ‘70 · Sep 1, 2019

ivar said:
I am changing everything to "Camino Neck Warmers"... that should do it..

That should work; if not, we called them a “neck gaiter” when I went thru RANGER school.

Jeff Crawley · Sep 1, 2019

theladypainted said:
I think it is overkill on a company like that to go after a small operation like yours. A few years ago a local guy around my area (Minnesota) had Cartier coming after him because his insurance company had the same name.... difference? Cartier was HIS last name and he pronounced it carteer. I seem to remember he won.

McDonalds famously went after an Irish burger chain claiming that the Irish "SuperMac" burger could be confused thit McDonalds' Big Mac. They lost, they no longer have exclusive rights to the "Big Mac" anywhere inside the European Union.
Which led to a competitor bring out this video

Jeff Crawley · Sep 1, 2019

NMMI ‘70 said:
That should work; if not, we called them a “neck gaiter” when I went thru RANGER school.

We called them Mufflers when I went to the Midas depot

Tim Eagle · Sep 2, 2019

ivar said:
Hola all,

I have a strange question.... it is regarding the word "Buff". What I mean is the clothing that one puts over ones head, like a scarf, but sown into a circle. Many of you have used it on the Camino I am sure.

I sell them on my store, but today got a message from a representative of the "Original Buff" company saying that I could not use the word buff to describe any product that is not made by them. That they had registered it as a trademark.

If this is the case (I need to look this up, is there a way to do this?), what could I use as a description for this piece of clothing? I thought it was "Buff"... much like t-shirt is a t-shirt. Since English is not my first language, I ask here.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Ivar

Some ideas include: neck gaiter, neck warmer, tube hat, and tube scarf.

Darby67 · Sep 2, 2019

I'm still a fan of Neck Cosy

erikakiana · Sep 2, 2019

I always thought that "buff" was that way because it was a Spanish company and it was like "bufanda". For me, it's not something common I see here in the US, but when I taught English at a school in Spain, many of the kids would wear them even during classes. I'm blanking on what I would call them, though ...

Darren.R · Sep 2, 2019

Although I have bought a “buff” in the past, I tend to call them snood’s.
I was told years ago that it was a combination of the words scarf, neck, and hood.
I do however agree the word buff is a branded name for this product,
but I also agree that it’s been in the English language for that it’s become a proper noun, like hoover and Jeep.

Chica36 · Sep 2, 2019

ivar said:
Hola all,

I have a strange question.... it is regarding the word "Buff". What I mean is the clothing that one puts over ones head, like a scarf, but sown into a circle. Many of you have used it on the Camino I am sure.

I sell them on my store, but today got a message from a representative of the "Original Buff" company saying that I could not use the word buff to describe any product that is not made by them. That they had registered it as a trademark.

If this is the case (I need to look this up, is there a way to do this?), what could I use as a description for this piece of clothing? I thought it was "Buff"... much like t-shirt is a t-shirt. Since English is not my first language, I ask here.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Ivar

Bandana scarf

Zoran K. · Sep 2, 2019

ivar said:
Hola all,

I have a strange question.... it is regarding the word "Buff". What I mean is the clothing that one puts over ones head, like a scarf, but sown into a circle. Many of you have used it on the Camino I am sure.

I sell them on my store, but today got a message from a representative of the "Original Buff" company saying that I could not use the word buff to describe any product that is not made by them. That they had registered it as a trademark.

If this is the case (I need to look this up, is there a way to do this?), what could I use as a description for this piece of clothing? I thought it was "Buff"... much like t-shirt is a t-shirt. Since English is not my first language, I ask here.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Ivar

Just call it BUF(F), BUFFF, BUPHF, BUFPH or BUPHPH and everyone will know what you are talking about and at the same time they'll have fun. However if you use one of those to words I will want payment for it hahahahahaha...just joking.
Really Ivar, if you justuse one of the above

Mazfil · Sep 2, 2019

ivar said:
Hola all,

I have a strange question.... it is regarding the word "Buff". What I mean is the clothing that one puts over ones head, like a scarf, but sown into a circle. Many of you have used it on the Camino I am sure.

I sell them on my store, but today got a message from a representative of the "Original Buff" company saying that I could not use the word buff to describe any product that is not made by them. That they had registered it as a trademark.

If this is the case (I need to look this up, is there a way to do this?), what could I use as a description for this piece of clothing? I thought it was "Buff"... much like t-shirt is a t-shirt. Since English is not my first language, I ask here.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Ivar

If you google Buff you will see it is registered trade mark so would say you cannot use, silly I know

Kathor1 · Sep 2, 2019

nickpellatt said:
This thread will go on forever

This was said 140 messages ago. I wonder whether this is the forum thread with the highest number of participants, in other words, the most popular forum thread of all times.

Camino Hopeful · Sep 2, 2019

Somewhat late I know but I believe this item of clothing is known as a snood. It has been used since at least medieval times in English speaking countries and has been favored by motorcycle riders in English speaking countries for many a year to the present day..

Jeff Crawley · Sep 2, 2019

Kathar1na said:
This was said 140 messages ago. I wonder whether this is the forum thread with the highest number of participants, in other words, the most popular forum thread of all times.

Sorry I reopened the wound just trying to be helpful . . .

Kathor1 · Sep 2, 2019

Jeff Crawley said:
Sorry I reopened the wound just trying to be helpful . . .

No need to apologise. I'm quite amused. And I think the very recent "neck cosy" had not even been mentioned before ...

Camino Chrissy · Sep 2, 2019

I have two original "Buff"s which I have enjoyed on Caminos, especially when I came down with a terrible cold and sore throat in April. I was able to cover the buff on my neck and in the colder mornings lift a portion above my nose. It stayed securely and warmed up the air I was breathing as I walked. It helped immensely.
That said, I have purchased two knock offs. They are thinner and flimsier and I do not like them as well, kinda like "you get what you pay for". They do not fit as securely and snug as the original name brand Buffs...'just sayin.

David Latham-Cruse · Sep 3, 2019

kerchief, neck gaiter, tube scarf, take your pick and enjoy the walk, bom camino

Prentiss Riddle · Sep 5, 2019

How about a neck gator?

mmmmartin · Sep 6, 2019

Thanks for every one of these comments. I have now taken delivery of a buff-like object from Ivar.

Camino Chrissy · Sep 6, 2019

Marbe2 said:
Interesting. I am an american. I never heard the word Buff...until I joined this forum and I have hiked in Europe for more than 30 years. Have used scarfs or Balaclavas...but no buffs....

I first heard of a "buff" in 2000 while watching the American reality tv show "Survivor", as all the contestants are given one to wear continuously to identify the playing team they are on.

Rick of Rick and Peg · Sep 6, 2019

Camino Chrissy said:
I first heard of a "buff" in 2000 while watching the American reality tv show "Survivor", as all the contestants are given one to wear continuously to identify the playing team they are on.

I thought you were going to mention the winner, Richard Hatch, who spent a lot of time "in the buff" [naked].

Camino Chrissy · Sep 6, 2019

Rick of Rick and Peg said:
I thought you were going to mention the winner, Richard Hatch, who spent a lot of time "in the buff".

Love it, Rick! You are so funny, and yes, he did! Thankfully "it" was blocked out. We have watched all the seasons faithfully since the beginning, except when on vacation or walking caminos. It is one of the few shows we look forward to watching each season.

David Harbert · Sep 16, 2019

ivar said:
Hola all,

I have a strange question.... it is regarding the word "Buff". What I mean is the clothing that one puts over ones head, like a scarf, but sown into a circle. Many of you have used it on the Camino I am sure.

I sell them on my store, but today got a message from a representative of the "Original Buff" company saying that I could not use the word buff to describe any product that is not made by them. That they had registered it as a trademark.

If this is the case (I need to look this up, is there a way to do this?), what could I use as a description for this piece of clothing? I thought it was "Buff"... much like t-shirt is a t-shirt. Since English is not my first language, I ask here.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Ivar

I know these can be configured and worn in many different ways but when worn on the top of the head in the U.S. they are often called a do-rag or du-rag.

julia.viljoen · Sep 16, 2019

ivar said:
Hola all,

I have a strange question.... it is regarding the word "Buff". What I mean is the clothing that one puts over ones head, like a scarf, but sown into a circle. Many of you have used it on the Camino I am sure.

I sell them on my store, but today got a message from a representative of the "Original Buff" company saying that I could not use the word buff to describe any product that is not made by them. That they had registered it as a trademark.

If this is the case (I need to look this up, is there a way to do this?), what could I use as a description for this piece of clothing? I thought it was "Buff"... much like t-shirt is a t-shirt. Since English is not my first language, I ask here.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Ivar

Hi Ivar,
These items are well known in South Africa where they have been called buffs since pa fell off the bus. I was told the name originated when motorcyclists started wearing them to the annual Buffalo Motorcycle Rally, often simpy referred to as The Buff. I have never heard of the Spanish connection till now. Interestingly enough the registered name is Buff S.A. S.A. as in South Africa?

Best wishes from Porriño, on my way to Santiago.

Julia

MarkyD · Sep 16, 2019

ivar said:
Hola all,

I have a strange question.... it is regarding the word "Buff". What I mean is the clothing that one puts over ones head, like a scarf, but sown into a circle. Many of you have used it on the Camino I am sure.

I sell them on my store, but today got a message from a representative of the "Original Buff" company saying that I could not use the word buff to describe any product that is not made by them. That they had registered it as a trademark.

If this is the case (I need to look this up, is there a way to do this?), what could I use as a description for this piece of clothing? I thought it was "Buff"... much like t-shirt is a t-shirt. Since English is not my first language, I ask here.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Ivar

Ok, having read some, but not all of the replies, I'm suddenly inspired to give it a new name altogether:
It is a MUHANWA - multi use head and neck wrap accessory. Start your own trade name!

Kathor1 · Sep 16, 2019

julia.viljoen said:
I have never heard of the Spanish connection till now. Interestingly enough the registered name is Buff S.A. S.A. as in South Africa?

S.A. stand for Societat anònima in Catalan or Sociedad anónima in Spanish. Buff S.A. operates from Catalonia in Spain.

Sociedad anónima designates a type of corporation under the company law of many European countries. It's roughly equivalent to plc in the UK and Inc. in the US.

Jeff Crawley · Sep 16, 2019

julia.viljoen said:
Hi Ivar,
These items are well known in South Africa where they have been called buffs since pa fell off the bus. I was told the name originated when motorcyclists started wearing them to the annual Buffalo Motorcycle Rally, often simpy referred to as The Buff. I have never heard of the Spanish connection till now. Interestingly enough the registered name is Buff S.A. S.A. as in South Africa?

Best wishes from Porriño, on my way to Santiago.

Julia

South Africa is ZA - Zuid-Afrika, you should know that

Joseito · Sep 16, 2019

ivar said:
Hola all,

I have a strange question.... it is regarding the word "Buff". What I mean is the clothing that one puts over ones head, like a scarf, but sown into a circle. Many of you have used it on the Camino I am sure.

I sell them on my store, but today got a message from a representative of the "Original Buff" company saying that I could not use the word buff to describe any product that is not made by them. That they had registered it as a trademark.

If this is the case (I need to look this up, is there a way to do this?), what could I use as a description for this piece of clothing? I thought it was "Buff"... much like t-shirt is a t-shirt. Since English is not my first language, I ask here.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Ivar

Maybe try calling them "Not a buff"

Kanga · Sep 17, 2019

There's an Australian company that makes them featuring Aboriginal designs. The Australian company has registered the name "Headsox" which I think is clever. I like to wear Ivar's Camino product (by whatever name) when walking in Australia, and when walking in Europe I like to wear a one with an Aboriginal design. They make great presents when travelling - easy to carry and lightweight.

Wanderingfriend · Mar 6, 2022

ivar said:
Hola all,

I have a strange question.... it is regarding the word "Buff". What I mean is the clothing that one puts over ones head, like a scarf, but sown into a circle. Many of you have used it on the Camino I am sure.

I sell them on my store, but today got a message from a representative of the "Original Buff" company saying that I could not use the word buff to describe any product that is not made by them. That they had registered it as a trademark.

If this is the case (I need to look this up, is there a way to do this?), what could I use as a description for this piece of clothing? I thought it was "Buff"... much like t-shirt is a t-shirt. Since English is not my first language, I ask here.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Ivar

A neck gaiter

Viggo · Mar 6, 2022

I read this somewhere. BUFF is essentially the Xerox of neck gaiters

DoughnutANZ · Mar 7, 2022

Neck shade

dougfitz · Mar 7, 2022

Wanderingfriend said:
A neck gaiter

Doughnut NZ said:
Neck shade

All a bit academic now. Ivar describes the non-Buff products as neck warmers in the forum shop listings (here - its always worth having a look from time to time).

Viggo said:
I read this somewhere. BUFF is essentially the Xerox of neck gaiters

It may be, but the trademark owner appears to be prepared to protect their intellectual property rights, and not allow it to be used for other than products they make.

Kanga · Mar 7, 2022

Viggo said:
I read this somewhere. BUFF is essentially the Xerox of neck gaiters

It's a while since I've heard the word "Xerox". I'd forgotten what it was.

A neck-warmer, neck-gaiter, neck-tube, neck-scarf, turtle-tube, neck-snood, bandana, neck-wrap, running-wrap.....

Pauline21Again · Mar 7, 2022

ivar said:
Hola all,

I have a strange question.... it is regarding the word "Buff". What I mean is the clothing that one puts over ones head, like a scarf, but sown into a circle. Many of you have used it on the Camino I am sure.

I sell them on my store, but today got a message from a representative of the "Original Buff" company saying that I could not use the word buff to describe any product that is not made by them. That they had registered it as a trademark.

If this is the case (I need to look this up, is there a way to do this?), what could I use as a description for this piece of clothing? I thought it was "Buff"... much like t-shirt is a t-shirt. Since English is not my first language, I ask here.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Ivar

Www.giraffeUk.com call them tubulour neckwear. I've also seen them called Multiwraps.

Bert45 · Mar 7, 2022

Pauline21Again said:
Www.giraffeUk.com call them tubulour neckwear. I've also seen them called Multiwraps.

I just searched on that site for 'neckwear' and got 0 results. I also searched for 'tubulour' and 'tubular' and got the same 0 results. 'multiwrap' got 99 results.

Rick of Rick and Peg · Mar 7, 2022

Bert45 said:
I just searched on that site for 'neckwear' and got 0 results. I also searched for 'tubulour' and 'tubular' and got the same 0 results. 'multiwrap' got 99 results.

Darn! It seems like the Original Tubular Neckware Company is enforcing its trademark too.

Bristle Boy · Mar 7, 2022

How about a snood.

Camino Chrissy · Mar 7, 2022

Bert45 said:
I just searched on that site for 'neckwear' and got 0 results.

I just searched too, and there was a plethora of examples, but no "buff style". I thought this one had plenty of ways to wear it with it's accordian pleats.

Jeff Crawley · Mar 7, 2022

Bristle Boy said:
How about a snood.

Very kind of you but I've given them up for Lent . . .

Jeff Crawley · Mar 7, 2022

I like the German name: "Oma" or Grannie . . . you can see why it got the name!

Jeff Crawley · Mar 7, 2022

Viggo said:
I read this somewhere. BUFF is essentially the Xerox of neck gaiters

Not to be copied then?

Camino Chrissy · Mar 7, 2022

Jeff Crawley said:
I like the German name: "Oma" or Grannie . . . you can see why it got the name!

View attachment 119955

Grannie, or a thief on a cold night?

Timwalks · Mar 7, 2022

The corporate lawyers at Buff have been ever so vigilant! But, they are also making lots of work for the marketing agency copy writers responsible for developing euphemisms.

I looked up these products on the REI website. Sure enough, the various brands are called "Multifunctional Headwear (or neckwear)," a "Neck Gaiter," "Daily Tube," "Multifunctional Tube," "Performance Neck Warmer," and so on.

I vote for Ivar's Multifunctional Tubular Performance Head/Neck Warming Gaiter.

J F Gregory · Mar 8, 2022

The BUFF trademark is registered in the U S. If it is not registered in Spain you can use it. It has to be registered in each country individually. If that is the case you could register your Camino Buff trademark in Spain.

Rick of Rick and Peg · Mar 8, 2022

Buff is a Spanish company which makes its product in Spain and has had an EU trademark for 20+ years. It has foreign subsidiaries too.

Kathor1 · Mar 8, 2022

Kanga said:
It's a while since I've heard the word "Xerox". I'd forgotten what it was.

. And neither Xerox nor Buff are brandnames that have become generic terms that are as internationally known as people might think. I didn't know what a sellotape is when I heard the word for the first time and would you know what I need when I ask you for a tempo?

And I don't want to spoil the fun and there certainly have been new and entertaining comments in the last few days but some recent suggestions have been made already half a dozen times in this thread. In case you don't notice: the thread has over 250 posts and must be one of the longer forum threads ...

woody66 · Mar 8, 2022

For the forum shop!
next to the buff image
IVAR'S NECKTOASTIE (with description of it's uses)
Woody

DoughnutANZ · Mar 8, 2022

Bristle Boy said:
How about a snood.

Nubana?

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