The other day I was telling my mom about the elderly text list that I posted for the letter 'A' in the A to Z Challenge. I asked her if she knew what BFF stood for, and she replied, "You mean DUFF? It stands for Designated Ugly Fat Friend."
At first I thought my mom heard a promo for the new teen movie, but she said that my brother told her all about it. This struck me funny, because my brother prides himself on keeping our mom abreast of current events. I decided to investigate further.
Author Kasey Edwards from stuff.co.nz offered her insights on the DUFF, "To creepy pick-up artists, she's the gatekeeper - the bodyguard who must be out-maneuvered in order to score with her hotter friend."
The article told how 17- year-old Kody Keplinger wrote the novel after a boy had the nerve to ask who was the DUFF in her group.
"When I first heard [the term DUFF] I thought, 'That's hilarious and super clever,'" Keplinger told the New York Post. "Then, I thought - 'Wait, that's super mean.' And then: 'Oh crap, that's me! I am the DUFF of my group! I realized that everyone is insecure and thinks they're the DUFF."
In an attempt to boost self-esteem in teenage girls, beautiful celebrities have been seen sporting t-shirts proclaiming, "I'm somebody's DUFF." With all of the nasty names I was called as a teenager, I think this would've hurt the most.
As I expressed my concerns to Mom, she retorted, "Are you still on the letter 'D?' Why don't you come back to me when you're up to 'G.' I've never been a DUFF, but I do know a thing or two about being a GILF."*
*GILF - Grandma I'd Like To...Fool around with
Whether you celebrate Passover or Easter, wishing everyone a happy holiday weekend!
Your mom keeps me laughing. Now the confession - I never heard the expression Duff before this post. I would have said it's not here, but you quoted our New Zealand news, so I guess I am just out of the loop. Of so much of duff no one dares call me that. And as your high school days, sorry to shatter your illusion, but I always thought of you (and Cindie) as my pretty friends. I think I was more of the Duff.
ReplyDeleteThat's stupid of gorgeous celebrities. As if anyone would believe they know what it's like to be the DUFF. All your stories about your mom make me laugh. No wonder she's the GILF of the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteChag Pesach (again). Hope you're enjoying, Julie. xo
Rhonda - I also never heard of the term DUFF until I saw previews of the movie. Thanks for the kind words, but you were never a DUFF. I always thought of you as the cute and fun one, Rhonda!
ReplyDeleteRobyn - You have Martha, and I have my mom. The public wants what the public wants! We had the first Seder at our house, and after slaving over all the courses, my brother couldn't stop raving about how good the tomatoes were. Hope you're having a happy Passover, Robyn!
Julie
Haven't heard of that one before.......hope no-one calls me that.
ReplyDeleteGreat "D" post Julie.
Only recently heard that term but when I think back to high school I have to admit it was a 'thing' even then.
ReplyDeleteI am sure even the prettiest teenager thinks she is a duff. Those are rough years. I am sure I was the Duff, with all capital letters. However, being one, I had lots of friends probably to make each of them feel better.
ReplyDeleteYour mom gives me hope that it ain't all over, till it's over.
1) I love your mom.
ReplyDelete2) I may be the DUFF
3) If I was ever the DUFF, I'm glad I didn't know what it meant.
OK I thought you were talking about Hilary Duff or Howard Duff-LOL So I am less hip than your mom. I would not have been a DUFF but I was thin when I was young. I was also bullied and I wouldn't even have made it to that group. It's sad to think they want her in the group just because of her size.
ReplyDeleteGEM JULIE ~
ReplyDeleteI very recently learned the meaning of this acronym, perhaps from Beer Boy Bryan. Then I saw an advertisement for the movie somewhere.
Apparently this is only a girl thing(?) The girl who works against the guys trying to pickup the others just by her presence. "No, I can't go watch the submarine races with you and just leave my friend Bertha here alone."
So, there was no DUFF in my group of guys because... it was a group of guys. And in fact, I don't think there were a whole lot of DUFFs back in my high school years because kids were generally more active then. We got REAL exercise, not just VIRTUAL exercise through THUMB workouts. Still, I guess there was one in many crowds.
People called you "nasty names" when you were a teenager?
"Why, da NOIVE a-dem!" (spoken with a thick, New York 'Dead End Kids' accent).
And a super-celebration wish for a great holiday to you, too, Gem Julie.
"L'shanah haba'ah b'yrushalayim."
I'll bet you're surprised I know about that, eh?
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
I just learned about DUFF from a book club group I visited. How had I missed that?
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of DUFF unless it is the type of beer from The Simpson's.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm a GILF. Never been a DUFF I'm glad to say.
ReplyDeleteYvonne - No one would ever dream of calling you that, Yvonne.
ReplyDeleteDelores - You're probably right. They just didn't have an official name for it then.
Arleen - I'm sure you did make your friends feel better, because you're so much fun to be with; not because you were the DUFF. Even the actress in the movie is pretty. She's just not stick thin. My mom will LOVE that she inspires you, Arleen!
Cherdo - You are so funny! Now we're all going to think we were the DUFF. Are we no better than these insecure teenage girls? Maybe we should officially become the first female Wingmen!
Birgit - I haven't seen the movie, but the star was in the series Parenthood. She's a cute girl who's probably considered more approachable than the most popular girls at school. In no way is she an ugly duckling type. Sorry you were bullied in high school. That Howard Duff was a real ladies man. He was even involved with Ava Gardner at one point, but so was Mickey Rooney.
Stephen - You are always full of surprises! Of course, you probably know more Yiddish than I do! It is sad that all of this nonsense has been created because of sites like Facebook. Thanks for the good wishes, and have a wonderful Easter, Stephen!
Lee - We all missed it. You're always in the loop, Lee!
Ruth - Good old DUFF beer! "Can't get enough of that wonderful Duff!"
Jo - You have GILF written all over you, Jo!
Julie
My first thought was also Duff beer. That is a horrible phrase. I'm pretty sure I was a DUFF.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I wasn't fat. I was just the dorkiest of our group.
DeleteI never heard of the term DUFF until this movie came out. The only Duff I kenw was Hilary Duff. lol Like Alex, I wasn't fat but I was a nerd and I didn't feel pretty so I was the DUFF for sure...my best friend was the cheerleading captain in middle school and I just stood on the sidelines like a...DUFF. lol
ReplyDeleteWow, great post! This is my first time visiting your #AtoZChallenge posts (or your blog at all) and it makes me want to read more. I know very little about text speak because, for one thing, I don't have a smartphone (and yeah, I know that's weird being only 28). I love how people are reclaiming the term DUFF now for improving self-esteem.
ReplyDeleteI have never felt more middle-aged! Most definitely would have qualified for the role. Great post. I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteStuart
www.stuartlennon.com
I, too, am looking forward to "G" now that you have mentioned it here.
ReplyDeleteAlex - Of course, you were never fat, and I'm sure you only felt like you were 'dorky.' Sorry, but DUFF's are an exclusive club for girls only. Fortunately, you've founded a much more supportive group with a great message in the IWSG, Alex.
ReplyDeleteChrys - I'm sure you're downplaying your role in middle school. You've definitely come a long way since then, Chrys!
Astrid - I think it's terrific that you're a leader and not a follower. It's much better to have actual conversations with people than to worry about the latest trends in texting. But I'm still glad you took the time to read this anyway! It's nice to meet you, Astrid!
Stuart - Feeling middle-aged isn't so bad. It's the next phase that worries me the most. There are a lot more important events to be aware of. I usually just focus on the silly stuff. Thanks Stuart!
Susan - Sorry if I misled you, but my 'G' post isn't about Grandmas, though it's not that far off. Thanks Susan!
Julie
Your mother has all of the answers. Way too cool for school. Good "D"
ReplyDeleteSo THAT'S why I was always invited to come along?
ReplyDeleteI thought it was my charming personality.
BFF i knew, but DUFF is a new one for me :)
ReplyDeleteBFF i knew, but DUFF is a new one for me :)
ReplyDeleteThe only DUFF I was familiar with is the one you sit on - as in "Get off your duff and clean your room!"
ReplyDeleteAnd people wonder why there's rampant teenage suicide? That's terrible. It seems the more you hear about being needing to be tolerant, the less it actually happens. (Rant over). Still it
ReplyDeletes good to know this in case one of my nine nieces ever presents this to me.
One question: Is there such a thing as chocolate Marzipan? Happy holiday, Julie!
Joanne - My mom IS "way to cool for school!" She'll be thrilled to hear that one! Thanks Joanne!
ReplyDeleteAl - No, it was definitely because of your charming personality! The class clown has always been the life of the party, and I'm sure you got beaten up a lot wearing that powdered wig and all.
Erica - On my post for 'A', BFF stood for, Best Friend Fell. It was on a texting list for seniors!
Vanessa - Oh that reminds me, I have some cleaning to do!
Dixie - It's very sad that bullying often does lead to teenage suicide. We have to do our best to teach our children, nieces and nephews to be kind to everyone, and to be confident enough not to take these ridiculous labels seriously. I know that it's easier said than done.
On another note, did you mean chocolate covered matzo? They do sell it during Passover, and it's delicious. It's best to eat it in small quantities, so it's easier to digest.
Julie
Oh, I got beaten up a lot. The Zowines in 'Shag Carpet Toilet'? Those guys actually existed and their names were actually Zowine.
DeleteI was a DUFF and aspire to be a GILF!
ReplyDeleteClarabelle - Then I hereby name you GILF in training! Good luck Clarabelle!
DeleteJulie
Awesome grandmother you have there. :-)
ReplyDeleteI was also a DUFF during high school. But now, I'd like to believe that there is no trace of that anymore. :D
Hi Julie - I've never heard of DUFF before .. perhaps a good thing! But your mother's GILF sounds much more up my street - and my mother would laughing .. despite not having grandkids .. she'd have appreciated the idea. Can't wait for G and your story ..
ReplyDeleteCheers Hilary
Haha your mom sounds quite hip! More than me, as I've never heard of a DUFF. Or a GILF. I guess being a DUFF is one of those names where if you call yourself one it's okay, but you don't want to be labeled that way by others. Kind of like geek or nerd. I remember back when NO ONE wanted to be called a geek or nerd but now it's one of those pride labels people will put on themselves.
ReplyDeleteSounds like your Mom was way ahead of the current jargon trends. I'll always like BFF...so much more of a positive image than DUFF...your Mom is way ahead of me on that one. I haven't seen or heard of the movie, and now thanks to your mention, I probably won't go there. Glad to know about it though...now I'll know when someone asks me if I'm a DUFF. Before I'd have said, "Don't you mean Duffer...I am one of those...a person who plays golf...occasionally.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I have added you to my Blog Roll and am a new follower. I see we have a mutual BBFF..Best Blogging Friend Forever...Joanne.
Sue at CollectInTexas Gal
AtoZ 2015 Challenge
Minion for AJ's wHooligans
I didn't even know what DUFF was. Don't really want to know what GILF is, but now I do lol
ReplyDeleteStill LOLing on GILF. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter!
Oh my god! Your mom said that?!? What a spitfire she is!!!
ReplyDeleteAra - Hopefully, you never were, and will never be a DUFF. Now we're all going to wonder about ourselves!
ReplyDeleteHilary - I think our mothers would have really hit it off! I won't be writing about GILF's for 'G,' but it will be a similar topic. Thanks Hilary!
Karen - I guess shows like The Big Bang Theory did wonders for the 'geek' community. I'm sure that The DUFF is hoping to do the same for young girls. Unfortunately, any type of name calling can still have harmful effects, especially for those who keep their emotions pent up inside. Next week, there will probably be a new derogatory nickname that stirs everyone up. It never ends.
Sue - My mom is a real hipster! It is better to be a duffer than a DUFF or a ditz! Joanne is the best! She was a huge help contributing fabulous poems to Old Broads, as well as generously doing the formatting for us. Joanne really is a true BBFF! Great one, Sue! Thanks for following me, and adding me to your blogroll! I'm so glad we met through A to Z!
Lux - Glad it also struck you funny! Happy Easter to you, Lux!
Beverly - She is a real 'spitfire,' and I'll be happy to tell her you tell her you said so! Thanks Beverly!
Julie
Ha, joke's on them, I'm too skinny to be a fat friend! Now ugly on the other hand...
ReplyDeleteWhat a funny term. I can honestly say I'd never heard of it before. I've heard GILF before, though, plenty of times. Should I be concerned that I knew that?
This is the first time I've heard of DUFF but will have to come back and read your thoughts on GILF (had to look up that one too!)
ReplyDeleteB & B - This will probably be the only thing that I'll ever know about before you guys do! As for the GILF's you've "heard" about, are we talking about Mrs Robinson's mother types? Now this sounds like blogworthy ABFTS material! Looking forward to your "Ask Bryan and Brandon" post tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteSuzy - Now you know firsthand how much silly research goes into these stories! Thanks Suzy!
Julie
Your Mom's a pistol!
ReplyDeleteI just heard DUFF the first time the other day. I'll be the first to admit I'm not always current with these things.
ReplyDeleteI read the book The Duff. I do not think anyone can really be a Duff.
ReplyDelete