Stag vs. Buck — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
A stag is a male deer, specifically of the red deer species, often mature and with large antlers. A buck is a male deer or antelope, generally across multiple species, and can be young or mature.
Difference Between Stag and Buck
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "stag" is more exclusive and generally refers to red deer, although it can sometimes be used for other deer species. The term "buck" is more inclusive, applying to males in species such as white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, mule deer, and even antelopes.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
In hunting terminology, a stag is often sought after for its majestic antlers, which can be a symbol of the animal's age and vitality. A buck may also be prized in hunting, but the term can include younger males that have not yet developed large antlers.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
A stag is a term often used to describe a mature male red deer, particularly one that has reached sexual maturity and has developed large, branching antlers. A buck, in contrast, is a term broadly used for the male of several species of deer and antelope, regardless of age or size of antlers.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
The usage of "stag" and "buck" can also vary by region. For example, in Europe, the term "stag" is more commonly used, while in North America, "buck" is the prevalent term. Both words, however, are universally understood among those familiar with deer species.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Definitions
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Buck
Commonly used in North American terminology.
American hunters often use the term buck.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Stag
A mature male deer with large antlers.
The hunters were searching for a stag to mount on their wall.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Stag
A term commonly used in Europe for male deer.
The European hunters referred to the animal as a stag.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Buck
The male of various other mammals, such as antelopes, kangaroos, mice, or rabbits.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
A term often used in hunting to describe a prized male deer.
He was thrilled to have finally caught a stag.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Stag
A person who attends a social gathering unaccompanied by a partner, especially a man who is unaccompanied by a woman.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
An act or instance of bucking
A horse that unseated its rider on the first buck.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
To attend a social gathering unaccompanied by a partner. Used especially of men.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
(countable) An improperly or late castrated bull or ram – also called a bull seg (see note under ox).
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
A hundred of some other units, especially miles per hour or pounds
Was doing a buck twenty out on the Interstate.
A boxer weighing in at a buck fifty.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
An outside irregular dealer in stocks, who is not a member of the exchange.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
(Games) A counter or marker formerly passed from one poker player to another to indicate an obligation, especially one's turn to deal.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
One who applies for the allotment of shares in new projects, with a view to sell immediately at a premium, and not to hold the stock.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
(Informal) Obligation to account for something; responsibility
Tried to pass the buck for the failure to his boss.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
An unmarried man; a bachelor; a man not accompanying a woman at a social event.
A stag dance; a stag party; a stag bar
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
(countable) A social event for men held in honor of a groom on the eve of his wedding, attended by male friends of the groom; sometimes a fundraiser.
The stag will be held in the hotel's ballroom.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To make sudden jerky movements; jolt
The motor bucked and lurched before it finally ran smoothly.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To throw or toss by bucking
Buck off a rider.
Bucked the packsaddle off its back.
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May 25, 2018
Buck
To oppose directly and stubbornly; go against
“Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the country, is bucking the trend” (American Demographics).
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
Of a man, attending a formal social function without a date.
My brother went stag to prom because he couldn't find a date.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
The adult male of the red deer (Cervus elaphus), a large European species closely related to the American elk, or wapiti.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To pass (a task or duty) to another, especially so as to avoid responsibility
"We will see the stifling of initiative and the increased bucking of decisions to the top" (Winston Lord).
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
A castrated bull; - called also bull stag, and bull seg. See the Note under Ox.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
Of the lowest rank in a specified military category
A buck private.
A buck sergeant.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
An outside irregular dealer in stocks, who is not a member of the exchange.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
A male deer, antelope, sheep, goat, rabbit, hare, and sometimes the male of other animals such as the hamster, ferret and shad.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
A young buck; an adventurous, impetuous, dashing, or high-spirited young man.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
Give away information about somebody;
He told on his classmate who had cheated on the exam
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Stag
A term sometimes applied to other deer species' mature males.
Although rare, the term stag can refer to males of other deer species.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Buck
One hundred.
The police caught me driving a buck forty [140 miles per hour] on the freeway.
That skinny guy? C'mon, he can't weigh more than a buck and a quarter [125 pounds].
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
Clipping of buckshot
He loaded the shotgun with two rounds of double-ought buck.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
An implement the body of which is likened to a male sheep’s body due maintaining a stiff-legged position as if by stubbornness.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
The body of a post mill, particularly in East Anglia. See Wikipedia:Windmill machinery.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
A wood or metal frame used by automotive customizers and restorers to assist in the shaping of sheet metal bodywork.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
(dated) An object of various types, placed on a table to indicate turn or status; such as a brass object, placed in rotation on a US Navy wardroom dining table to indicate which officer is to be served first, or an item passed around a poker table indicating the dealer or placed in the pot to remind the winner of some privilege or obligation when his or her turn to deal next comes.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
Lye or suds in which cloth is soaked in the operation of bleaching, or in which clothes are washed.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To leap upward arching its back, coming down with head low and forelegs stiff, forcefully kicking its hind legs upward, often in an attempt to dislodge or throw a rider or pack.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To subject to a mode of punishment which consists of tying the wrists together, passing the arms over the bent knees, and putting a stick across the arms and in the angle formed by the knees.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To resist obstinately; oppose or object strongly.
The vice president bucked at the board's latest solution.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To move or operate in a sharp, jerking, or uneven manner.
The motor bucked and sputtered before dying completely.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To overcome or shed (e.g., an impediment or expectation), in pursuit of a goal; to force a way through despite (an obstacle); to resist or proceed against.
The plane bucked a strong headwind.
Our managers have to learn to buck the trend and do the right thing for their employees.
John is really bucking the odds on that risky business venture. He's doing quite well.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
(riveting) To press a reinforcing device (bucking bar) against (the force of a rivet) in order to absorb vibration and increase expansion. See Wikipedia: Rivet:Installation.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
(electronics) To output a voltage that is lower than the input voltage. See Wikipedia: Buck converter
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To soak, steep or boil in lye or suds, as part of the bleaching process.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To wash (clothes) in lye or suds, or, in later usage, by beating them on stones in running water.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
Lye or suds in which cloth is soaked in the operation of bleaching, or in which clothes are washed.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
The male of deer, especially fallow deer and antelopes, or of goats, sheep, hares, and rabbits.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
A gay, dashing young fellow; a fop; a dandy.
The leading bucks of the day.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To wash (clothes) in lye or suds, or, in later usage, by beating them on stones in running water.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To spring with quick plunging leaps, descending with the fore legs rigid and the head held as low down as possible; - said of a vicious horse or mule.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
To subject to a mode of punishment which consists in tying the wrists together, passing the arms over the bent knees, and putting a stick across the arms and in the angle formed by the knees.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
A gymnastic horse without pommels and with one end elongated; used lengthwise for vaulting
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
United States author whose novels drew on her experiences as a missionary in China (1892-1973)
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
Move quickly and violently;
The car tore down the street
He came charging into my office
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Buck
A term used for the males of various deer species.
He saw a buck among the herd of white-tailed deer.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Buck
Can refer to both young and mature male deer.
The young buck was just starting to grow his antlers.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
FAQs
Is the term 'stag' specific to certain species?
It's primarily used for red deer but can sometimes extend to other deer species.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Why are stags prized in hunting?
Stags are often prized for their large, branching antlers.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Why are bucks prized in hunting?
Bucks are prized, but the size of the antlers can vary widely.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Is a stag the same as a buck?
No, 'stag' is often a mature male red deer, while 'buck' can refer to any male deer or antelope.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Is the term 'buck' commonly used in North America?
Yes, the term 'buck' is more commonly used in North America.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Do stags and bucks both have antlers?
Yes, but the size and complexity can differ.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Can the term 'stag' be used outside of red deer?
It's less common but can sometimes refer to other deer species.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Is the term 'stag' commonly used in Europe?
Yes, the term 'stag' is more commonly used in Europe.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Can the term 'buck' be used for antelopes?
Yes, 'buck' can refer to a male antelope.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Is the term 'buck' specific to certain species?
No, it is used for males of various deer and antelope species.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
What's the primary difference between a stag and a buck?
The primary difference is the species and maturity; 'stag' often refers to a mature male red deer, while 'buck' can refer to any male deer or antelope.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
