Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Puffing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💨
Add to dictionary

puffing

[ˈpʌfɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

smoking action

Puffing refers to the act of inhaling and then exhaling smoke or vapor from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. This action produces visible clouds of smoke or vapor that disperse into the air. Puffing can also refer to taking short, quick breaths, especially when one is out of breath. In a broader context, it can imply exaggerating or boasting in a forceful manner.

Synonyms

bragging, breathing, exhaling, smoking.

Examples of usage

  • She was puffing on her cigarette outside the café.
  • He was puffing heavily after the long run.
  • The dragon was puffing smoke as it roared.
  • They caught him puffing outlandish tales about his exploits.
Context #2 | Noun

smoke cloud

Puffing, as a noun, describes the act of producing puffs of smoke or vapor, often from smoking or during other activities. It can also refer to a quick, intermittent release of air, like in a playful puff of air to tease someone. Additionally, it is sometimes used to describe a sound made during efforts like running or exerting oneself.

Synonyms

blast, cloud, exhalation, puff.

Examples of usage

  • The puffing from the chimney was a sign of warmth inside.
  • The little boy's puffing made everyone laugh.
  • She noticed the puffing from the steam engine.
  • His puffing made it clear he was struggling.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health & Fitness

  • Puffing can be a sign of physical exertion, indicating that your body needs more oxygen.
  • In medical contexts, puffing might indicate respiratory issues, such as asthma or shortness of breath.
  • Endurance activities, like jogging, often lead to puffing as your heart and lungs work harder.

Pop Culture

  • 'Puffing' is often depicted in films as characters exhaustively running or escaping, adding comedic effect.
  • In music, there's a famous song 'Puff, the Magic Dragon' that refers to a whimsical character associated with a sense of adventure.
  • The phrase 'puffing on a cigar' highlights smoking culture and is often used in films to portray a certain image of sophistication or relaxation.

Psychology

  • Breathing patterns, including puffing, can reveal stress levels; rapid breath may indicate anxiety.
  • Mindful breathing exercises often aim to slow down puffing to promote relaxation and mental clarity.
  • Breath control techniques expose the connection between physical breathing and emotional states, which can reduce puffing during stressful situations.

Nature & Animals

  • When many animals run or exert themselves, they begin to puff, similar to human behavior, revealing a shared survival instinct.
  • Birds puff their feathers when cold or threatened, using similar mechanics to show size or health.
  • Some species, like the pufferfish, have a unique way of puffing up as a defense mechanism against predators.

Origin of 'puffing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'puff' comes from Middle English, meaning to blow or breathe out.
  • Related words include 'puffball', which refers to a type of fungus that releases spores like a puff.
  • In the 19th century, 'puffing' was also slang for showing off or bragging.

The word 'puffing' comes from the Old English word 'pyffan', which meant to blow or breathe out. The usage has evolved over centuries, adopting various meanings, related to the release of air, smoke, or vapor. In the 17th century, it began to be used in the context of smoking when people started using pipes and cigars. The playful sense of puffing, such as blowing air in someone's face, also emerged from this basic idea of expelling breath. Over time, the term has garnered various connotations, from casual smoking to metaphorical expressions of boasting or exaggerating something.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,775, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.