How Do You Spell PUFF OUT?

Pronunciation: [pˈʌf ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA)

The spelling of "puff out" is fairly straightforward once you understand the phonetic sounds that make up the word. In IPA transcription, "puff" is represented as /pʌf/ with the "u" sound like "uh" and the "f" sound at the end pronounced fully. "Out" is transcribed as /aʊt/ with the "ou" sounding like "ow" and the "t" at the end enunciated. When combined, the word's pronunciation becomes /pʌf aʊt/. The phrase typically means to exhale or create a gust of air through the mouth.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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PUFF OUT Meaning and Definition

  1. Puff out is a phrasal verb that can have various meanings, depending on the context and usage. It can be used both as a transitive and intransitive verb. In a general sense, puff out means to expand or enlarge in size, particularly in a rounded or bulging manner.

    When used to describe physical actions, puff out means to forcefully exhale a breath of air, causing the cheeks or a specific part of the body to become inflated or swollen momentarily. This action can be done deliberately as a gesture or expression of emotion, such as when someone is frustrated, annoyed, or pretending to be annoyed. It can also refer to inflating or swelling up with air due to certain physiological processes, for example, when a bird puffs out its feathers for warmth or a frog puffs out its throat to produce a loud sound.

    Additionally, puff out can mean to cause something to appear larger or more prominent by increasing its volume or fluffiness. For instance, one can puff out a pillow by blowing air into it, or a bird can puff out its chest to look more intimidating. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person boasting, exaggerating, or speaking in an overly self-aggrandizing manner, as though inflating their own importance or achievements.

    In summary, puff out refers to the act of expanding or enlarging in size, either physically or metaphorically, by inflating or increasing something's volume, fluffiness, or prominence.

Common Misspellings for PUFF OUT

  • ouff out
  • -uff out
  • 0uff out
  • pyff out
  • phff out
  • pjff out
  • piff out
  • p8ff out
  • p7ff out
  • pudf out
  • pucf out
  • puvf out
  • pugf out
  • putf out
  • purf out
  • pufd out
  • pufc out
  • pufv out
  • pufg out

Etymology of PUFF OUT

The phrase "puff out" is a combination of two words: "puff" and "out".

The word "puff" dates back to the late 16th century and originated from the Middle English word "puffen", which means to blow in short bursts of breath. It is imitative of the sound made when a person or animal exhales forcefully.

The word "out" has roots in Old English and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "utan", meaning outside or beyond.

When combined, "puff" and "out" create the phrase "puff out", which typically refers to the action of forcefully exhaling, causing a part of the body or fabric to expand or bulge outward.

Idioms with the word PUFF OUT

  • puff out The idiom "puff out" means to expand or bulge outwards, typically due to air or pressure being inside something. It can also mean to breathe heavily or with exertion. In a more metaphorical sense, it can mean to expand or increase in size or intensity.