In the 1960s, the term “tuff” was a slang expression that originated within the counterculture and youth movements of the time, particularly among groups such as beatniks and later, hippies. It was used to describe something that was considered cool, tough, impressive, or excellent. The word conveyed a sense of admiration or respect, often used in a context where a person, object, or idea was being praised for its authenticity or rebellious spirit.
For example, a person might say, “That band is really tuff,” meaning the band was enjoyable or had a strong presence. “Tuff” was also part of a broader shift in slang during the 1960s that reflected the era’s emphasis on individuality, rebellion against authority, and a new cultural identity.
This term also had connections to a wider trend of using altered spellings in slang, which often reflected the creative, experimental spirit of the time. The spelling “tuff” instead of “tough” was part of a linguistic playfulness that characterized much of 1960s youth language.
While “tuff” has fallen out of common use in contemporary slang, its roots in the 1960s made it a memorable part of that decade’s cultural lexicon, embodying the energy and spirit of a generation that sought to redefine norms and express their identity.