The word "whiffs" is spelled with two silent consonants, making it tricky to spell correctly. The IPA phonetic transcription for "whiffs" is /wɪfs/. The "w" at the beginning is pronounced like a "w" sound, while the "h" is silent. The two "f's" in the middle are pronounced as a single voiceless labiodental fricative sound /f/. Finally, the "s" at the end is pronounced like a "z" sound. Remembering this pronunciation can help improve your spelling accuracy of the word "whiffs."
Whiffs refer to the plural form of the noun "whiff," which has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
One common definition of whiffs is related to a slight or gentle gust of air or an odor. In this sense, whiffs can describe a subtle and fleeting movement of the air, often carrying a faint aroma or scent. It implies the sensation of briefly catching a scent or feeling a light draft, but not being able to ascertain its exact source or direction.
Another meaning of whiffs is associated with the action of inhaling or breathing in slightly and intermittently. In this context, it refers to the act of taking shallow or intermittent breaths, often when smelling something unpleasant or trying to identify a particular scent in the air.
Additionally, whiffs can also describe an unsuccessful attempt or a miss in sports or other activities requiring precision and accuracy. It connotes the act of swinging and missing a ball or object, as well as failing to accomplish a desired goal or target in a more metaphorical sense.
Overall, whiffs encompass various interpretations, including a gentle gust of air or odor, intermittent inhalations, and unsuccessful attempts or misses in various activities. The word's meaning is determined by its context, often referring to a transitory experience or momentary failure.
The word "whiffs" originated in the early 17th century from the verb "whiff", which originally meant "to puff or blow with a light gust of air". The term itself has uncertain origins, but it might be related to the Middle Dutch word "wiven", meaning "to blow". Over time, "whiff" came to signify a slight, fleeting breath or puff of air. The noun form "whiff" later extended its meaning to include a passing smell or odor. From there, the word "whiffs" emerged as the plural form of "whiff", denoting multiple fleeting smells or odors.