The phrase "puffs out" is spelled phonetically as /pʌfs aʊt/. The first syllable "puffs" starts with the voiceless bilabial plosive /p/ sound, followed by the short vowel sound /ʌ/. The second syllable "out" begins with the voiced bilabial fricative /f/ sound, followed by the diphthong /aʊ/ which comprises of the open back unrounded vowel /a/ and the close back rounded vowel /ʊ/. Overall, the spelling of "puffs out" corresponds closely to its pronunciation.
"Puffs out" is a phrasal verb that commonly refers to the action of expanding or blowing air or gas forcefully into or out of something, resulting in an inflated or swollen appearance. It can also describe the act of inflating part of the body, typically the cheeks or chest, by filling them with air or exhaling in a way that creates a rounded or bulging shape.
In a literal sense, "puffs out" often pertains to the act of exhaling forcefully or blowing air into an object or container to fill it or make it bulge outward. For instance, a person may "puff out" their cheeks by filling them with air, or a balloon can be "puffed out" by blowing air into it until it expands and reaches its maximum size. Similarly, a person may "puff out" their chest with pride, standing tall and thrusting their shoulders back to display self-assurance or dominance.
Metaphorically, "puffs out" can be used to describe an action or behavior that involves exaggeration or pretentious display, such as boasting or making grandiose claims. It implies a sense of overinflation or self-importance, as though someone is puffing themselves up figuratively to make themselves appear more impressive or significant than they actually are.
Overall, "puffs out" suggests an action involving the forceful expulsion or intake of air or gas to create a swollen or expanded shape, either literally or figuratively.
The word "puffs out" consists of two primary components: "puffs" and "out", each with its own etymology.
1. "Puffs":
The word "puffs" originates from the Old English word "pufian", which meant "to blow in puffs or gusts". This Old English term eventually evolved into Middle English, where it took the form "puffen". The verb "puffs" refers to the act of exhaling forcefully in a sudden burst, causing the breath to expand or become visible.
2. "Out":
The word "out" finds its roots in Old English as well. The Old English word "ūt" signified "away from a central position" or "outside". As the language developed, "ūt" changed to "out".