What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fluffing
Example
She spent hours fluffing up the pillows on the couch. [fluffing: verb]
Example
The baker was fluffing the flour before mixing it with the other ingredients. [fluffing: gerund or present participle]
puffing
Example
He was puffing on his cigarette while waiting for the bus. [puffing: verb]
Example
The kids were puffing up balloons for the party decorations. [puffing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Puffing is more commonly used than fluffing in everyday language. Puffing has a wider range of contexts, including smoking and breathing, while fluffing is more specific to objects like pillows or garments.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fluffing and puffing?
Both fluffing and puffing are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts.
