puffing
UK: ˈpʌfɪŋ | US: ˈpʌfɪŋ
n. the act of breathing or blowing out air/smoke in short bursts
vi. breathing heavily or panting, especially after exertion
adj. (colloquial) boastful or exaggerated in speech
The word "puffing" derives from the Middle English "puffen," meaning "to blow in short gusts," likely imitative of the sound of exhaling sharply. The root "puff" is onomatopoeic, mimicking the abrupt release of air. The suffix "-ing" transforms it into a present participle or gerund, indicating ongoing action. Over time, "puffing" expanded metaphorically to describe boastful speech (as if "blowing air" to inflate one's importance).
The steam engine was puffing loudly as it climbed the hill.
She sat on the bench, puffing after her morning run.
His puffing claims about his wealth made everyone skeptical.
The dragon in the story appeared, puffing smoke from its nostrils.
Stop puffing your cheeks and just answer the question honestly.