Puffer: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in casual conversations or by people who are not familiar with technical terms for these types of fish.

• Look, there's a puffer trying to scare away predators!

Commonly used in everyday language, often seen in cooking contexts, especially when referring to the fish being prepared as food.

• Blowfish can be a dangerous delicacy if not prepared correctly

Typically used in more specialized or culinary discussions, particularly within Japanese cuisine, where it refers to a particular type of pufferfish that is considered a delicacy.

• Fugu chefs undergo rigorous training to safely prepare this potentially deadly fish

Mostly found in casual settings and in children's books or educational materials, as it describes the fish's ability to inflate like a balloon.

• The balloonfish can puff up its body to appear larger when threatened

This term is commonly used to describe a type of jacket that is filled with down or synthetic material, characterized by its quilted sections. It is casual and widely used in everyday conversation.

• I wore my puffer to the morning hike since it was pretty chilly

This term emphasizes the stitching pattern of the jacket, which creates a quilt-like design. While it can be filled with down or synthetic insulation, the focus is more on the aesthetic aspect. It might be used more in fashion contexts.

• Her quilted jacket looked stylish and kept her cozy in the chilly weather

A down coat specifically refers to a coat filled with down feathers, usually from ducks or geese. It's known for being very warm and lightweight, and is often used in colder climates or for outdoor winter activities.

• She opted for a down coat for her trip to the mountains because of its superior warmth

This term is more general and can refer to any coat that has insulation, whether it's down, synthetic, or another type of material. It's often used in contexts where the type of insulation isn't specified but warmth is a priority.

• The insulated coat I bought last winter kept me warm during the coldest days