"Real World" Use of the Term 'Buff'
Interestingly enough, after reading this thread yesterday, I heard a use of the word "buff" in a more pseudo real world situation. I was watching a re-run of the show "E.R." and they were talking about "buffing" someone up by giving them fluids and medicine. This is not the only time I've heard that phrase used on that show.
So, while my playgroup has rarely, if ever, used the term "buff", preferring the term "boost", I don't see why "buff" and "buffing" couldn't be used in the game. After all, D&D is based partially on what we see in movies and TV.