afro puff

noun

Etymology

Formed by compounding the nouns afro + puff, with reference to the puff-like appearance of the full, rounded bunches of textured hair that characterize this hairstyle. See ODAAE afro, OED afro, n., OED puff, n. Compare OED afro puff, n.

Meaning & use

Also Afro puff

  1. 1919–A hairstyle, originally and chiefly worn by Black people, in which textured hair is combed and tied into one or more sections with a full, rounded shape. Also: one of the bunches of hair that make up this hairstyle. Frequently occurs in the plural as afro puffs.

    cultural Sometimes also applied to hairpieces made of natural or synthetic textured hair designed for creating this style.

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    1919
    I can't tell you how many guys come up to me and want to touch my Afro puff or love the way my frizzy curls blow in the wind.
    M. Sinclair Mary Olivier ii. vi. 53
    1926
    I rock rough and stuff with my afro puffs.
    R. H. Tawney Religion & Rise of Capitalism i. 46
    1952
    Sullivan, a stylish and high-maintenance diva, adjusted the big pink bow wrapped around one of Charity's Afro puffs.
    G. H. Dury Map Interpretation iv. 32
    1984
    Afrylic [sic], one of the first fibers designed to simulate the Black woman's hair, offers these eye-catching Afro Puffs and Curls.
    A. CoplandV. Perlis Copland: 1900–42 iii. 47
    1984
    If your rows were done really neatly, you could get away with wearing it out and pinning on an Afro Puff in the back. Voila! A hip new do!
    Weekend Australian 10 November 29/6
    1993
    Lowest Afro Puffs...Only for ladies 8-80 who don't want to wear a complete afro. 8.95 a pair.
    G. Kinnell Three Books 197
    1995
    Special this week! While they last...Afro Puffs...now only $4.95 pair with coupon.
    K. O'Riordan Involved 201
    1999
    Getting a sew in at 15 seems insane to me ?? What happened to knocker balls and Afro puffs
    Daily Telegraph 7 January 3/4

See also

  • afro
  • natural
  • natural hair movement