Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌfs] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "ruffs" is phonetically represented as /rʌfs/. The first sound is pronounced as a short "u" sound, followed by the "f" sound, and then the final "s" sound. "Ruffs" can refer to the fluffy neck feathers of certain birds, or the Elizabethan-era high-standing collars worn by men and women. It is important to use appropriate spelling to ensure clear communication and avoid confusion in written communication.
Ruffs refer to a type of large, elaborate collars or frills worn around the neck during the Renaissance period. Derived from the Old French word "ronfle," meaning "throat," ruffs were a fashionable accessory commonly worn by men and women in the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe.
Typically made of fine linen or cotton, ruffs were stiffened using starch or wire frameworks to create their distinctive shape. They were often decorated with pleats, lace, or embroidery, and could be quite wide, extending outwards from the neck. Ruffs were worn to represent wealth, status, and fashion sensibilities, and were an integral part of formal attire during this era.
To achieve the desired appearance, ruffs were carefully arranged and layered, and required specialized skills to construct and maintain. Some individuals wore support structures called "whisks" underneath their ruffs to help keep them in shape.
Over time, ruffs underwent various changes in style and size, ranging from simple and small collars to larger, more intricate designs. However, as fashions shifted, ruffs gradually fell out of favor and were replaced by other neckwear options.
Today, ruffs are primarily seen in historical reenactments, theater productions set in the Renaissance era, and other costume events, where they serve as a vivid reminder of the elaborate fashion trends of the past.
The word ruffs has its etymology in Middle English. It is derived from the Old English word hrof which meant a roof or a covering. In the 16th century, the term ruff was used to describe a frilled or pleated collar worn as a fashion accessory mainly during the Elizabethan era. The resemblance of this collar to the shape of a roof led to the term ruff. Over time, ruffs became the accepted plural form of ruff.
