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

ROcHE

Senior member
Oct 14, 1999
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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?
 
Jan 31, 2002
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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."

:D

*As applied to vehicles

- M4H
 

ChefJoe

Platinum Member
Jan 5, 2002
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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

Lifer
Mar 14, 2003
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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

Lifer
May 21, 2003
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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

Senior member
Oct 14, 1999
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So basically it's a sarcastic remark that says "some buffing would fix it". Is that right?
 

Injury

Lifer
Jul 19, 2004
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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

Senior member
Dec 30, 2001
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It was also in a Seinfeld episode when George parked in a handicap space and a mob trashes his car.
 

richardycc

Diamond Member
Apr 29, 2001
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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. ;)
 

Spencer278

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 2002
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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."

:D

*As applied to vehicles

- M4H

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

Slick5150

Diamond Member
Nov 10, 2001
8,760
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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

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2001
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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.