What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
humphed
Example
She humphed and rolled her eyes when she heard the news. [humphed: verb]
Example
He let out a humph of frustration when he saw the long line at the store. [humph: noun]
huffed
Example
She huffed and puffed as she carried the heavy boxes up the stairs. [huffed: verb]
Example
He let out a loud huff of indignation when he heard the news. [huff: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Humphed is more commonly used than huffed in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage. Huffed may be considered more regional or dialectical, and is less commonly used overall.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between humphed and huffed?
Neither humphed nor huffed are formal words, and both are considered informal and colloquial. However, humphed may be seen as slightly more acceptable in formal settings due to its milder connotation and more widespread usage.
