What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
huff
Example
She huffed in annoyance when her computer froze. [huffed: verb]
Example
He huffed and puffed, trying to blow out all the candles at once. [huffed: past tense]
whiff
Example
I caught a whiff of freshly baked bread as I walked by the bakery. [whiff: noun]
Example
The wind carried a whiff of saltwater from the ocean. [whiff: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whiff is more commonly used than huff in everyday language. Whiff is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while huff is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between huff and whiff?
Both huff and whiff are relatively informal and casual in tone, but whiff can be used in more formal contexts when describing scents or aromas.