noun/verb (gerund/present participle)
baforada, respiração ofegante, fumaça
1. The act of breathing heavily or with short, quick breaths, especially due to exertion
He was puffing after running up the stairs.
Ele estava ofegante depois de correr escada acima.
2. The act of smoking or drawing smoke from a cigarette, pipe, or similar object
She was puffing on a cigar.
Ela estava fumando um charuto.
3. Releasing air or smoke in small bursts or clouds
The steam engine was puffing smoke into the sky.
A locomotiva estava soltando fumaça para o céu.
4. Exaggerating or making false claims (informal/derogatory)
He was puffing up his accomplishments at the meeting.
Ele estava exagerando suas realizações na reunião.
In Brazilian and American English, 'puffing' is commonly used to describe both physical exertion and smoking behavior. The term can carry negative connotations when used to mean exaggeration or boasting. In both cultures, 'puffing' in relation to smoking has become more socially frowned upon in recent decades due to anti-smoking campaigns.
NYC Slang
huffin' and puffin' (meaning exhausted or exaggerating)
Related Idioms & Phrases
puffing and blowing (working hard, making effort)
puffing out one's chest (showing pride or arrogance)
puffing up (becoming angry or inflated with pride)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →