PUFF UP Meaning and
Definition
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"Puff up" is a phrasal verb that carries different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Generally, it refers to an act of inflating or expanding something, either physically or metaphorically.
In its literal sense, "puff up" describes the action of causing something to become larger or fuller through the introduction of air or gas. For instance, when a baker adds yeast to dough, it causes the dough to puff up or rise as a result of the released gas. Similarly, an inflatable object like a balloon or an air mattress can also "puff up" when air is pumped or blown into it, causing it to expand and become fuller.
Metaphorically, "puff up" can be used to describe an increase in pride, self-importance, or arrogance. In this sense, it refers to someone displaying a sense of superiority or boasting about their accomplishments or abilities, often to mask their insecurities. For example, if someone constantly brags about their achievements in order to impress others, they can be said to be "puffing up" themselves.
In summary, "puff up" can either imply the physical expansion of something by the introduction of air or gas or denote the figurative act of inflating one's own ego and displaying a sense of superiority.
Common Misspellings for PUFF UP
- ouff up
- -uff up
- 0uff up
- pyff up
- phff up
- pjff up
- piff up
- p8ff up
- p7ff up
- pudf up
- pucf up
- puvf up
- pugf up
- putf up
- purf up
- pufd up
- pufc up
- pufv up
- pufg up
Etymology of PUFF UP
The etymology of the phrase "puff up" can be traced back to Middle English. The word "puff" originally comes from the Old English word "puf", which meant "to blow in short gusts". It was derived from the sound of air escaping forcefully.
The use of "puff" in the sense of making something swell or increase in size started around the late 16th century. It referred to the action of inflating or distending through blowing. By extension, "puff up" came to mean causing something to swell with air or reach an increased size.
Over time, "puff up" began to be used figuratively to describe augmenting or exaggerating something, particularly one's accomplishments or self-importance. It came to connote boasting or amplifying one's abilities or achievements beyond reality.
Idioms with the word PUFF UP
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puff up (into sth)
The idiom "puff up into (something)" refers to something or someone becoming larger, more important, or more impressive. It implies that something or someone has gained prominence or significance, often through self-promotion or exaggeration.
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puff up
To puff up means to become inflated or swollen, to become filled with pride or self-importance, or to make something appear larger or more impressive than it actually is.
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