"That'll buff right out" expression.. Where does it come from?

[ROcHE]

English is not my first language and I've always been wondering what's the meaning of this expression and where does it come from?

I know it's posted when there's a crashed car picture and that's it. Anyone?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Buffing* - to polish and/or sand to remove a visual defect (paint chip, small scratch.)

Thusly, when someone posts a picture of a hugely damaged car, the sarcastic remark is

"That'll buff right out."

😀

*As applied to vehicles

- M4H

 

[blackdogdeek]

wasn't it in a movie as well?

 

[DougK62]

That saying is SOOOO old, but I still laugh when it's used.

 

[ChefJoe]

I recall it in family guy and I think it might have been in Uncle Buck the movie before then... maybe it's roots go deeper.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Originally posted by: ChefJoe
I recall it in family guy and I think it might have been in Uncle Buck the movie before then... maybe it's roots go deeper.

ah yes, uncle buck, that's probably it. i was hearing it said by john candy in my memory.

 

[Phoenix86]

WOW, no offhand comments & and correct answer in the first reply...

Going to have to get Uncle Buck, there are so many comedies my wife missed out on.

 

[ROcHE]

So basically it's a sarcastic remark that says "some buffing would fix it". Is that right?

 

[Injury]

Originally posted by: ROcHE
So basically it's a sarcastic remark that says "some buffing would fix it". Is that right?

Yeah, but it works better when you say it the other way 🙂

 

[cruzer]

It was also in a Seinfeld episode when George parked in a handicap space and a mob trashes his car.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Originally posted by: ROcHE
So basically it's a sarcastic remark that says "some buffing would fix it". Is that right?

yes but only when buffing will clearly NOT fix it.

 

[richardycc]

Originally posted by: ROcHE
So basically it's a sarcastic remark that says "some buffing would fix it". Is that right?

depends, like if it is from the guy that dinged your car in the parking lot, he might really mean that. 😉

 

[Phoenix86]

edit: nvm, waaay to slow. 😀

 

[ROcHE]

Thanks!

 

[Spencer278]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Buffing* - to polish and/or sand to remove a visual defect (paint chip, small scratch.)

Thusly, when someone posts a picture of a hugely damaged car, the sarcastic remark is

"That'll buff right out."

😀

*As applied to vehicles

- M4H

You can't buff out paint chips. You can only buff out damage to the clear coat.

 

[Slick5150]

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek

Originally posted by: ChefJoe
I recall it in family guy and I think it might have been in Uncle Buck the movie before then... maybe it's roots go deeper.

ah yes, uncle buck, that's probably it. i was hearing it said by john candy in my memory.

No, actually it was from Planes Trains & Automobiles. They get out to inspect the rental car which was just sideswiped by 2 semi trucks ("You're going the wrong way!").

The car is shredded on the sides, and John Candy says "Oh, that'll buff right out".

Then the car catches on fire.

 

[zixxer]

noone has clearly stated this:

You only use this expression when it OVIOUSLY will NOT buff out. Like a totally damaged, screwed up body panel.

"it's alright man... that'll buff right out..."

even though... it clearly won't.