What film buffs have to do with buffaloes?
Buffalo is originally derived from the ancient Greek word boubalos, used first to refer to the African antelope, then later the buffalo. Hunters of the European buffalo referred to the animal’s leather as ‘buff’. This leather was useful for polishing, which is why we still buff things until they shine. When something has been properly buffed, it looks in good shape. Buff leather also happens to look like human skin. That’s why naked people are referred to as being in the buff. In the 19th century, the uniform of New York firemen was made from buff; soon, the firemen themselves were known as buffs. Calling the fire service out was also referred to as calling in the professionals, and soon ‘buff ’ became another word for expert. Thus, in time, we began to talk about film buffs, music buffs and so on.

Is that true? Beats me. Neat story, though.