What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
puffery
Example
The advertisement was full of puffery, claiming the product could do things it clearly couldn't. [puffery: noun]
Example
The salesperson's puffery was so over-the-top that I didn't believe a word he said. [puffery: noun]
flattery
Example
She tried to win his favor with flattery, complimenting him on everything from his looks to his intelligence. [flattery: noun]
Example
I knew he was just using flattery to get me to agree with him, but it still worked. [flattery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flattery is more commonly used than puffery in everyday language. Flattery is often used in social situations or personal relationships, while puffery is more commonly used in advertising or marketing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between puffery and flattery?
While puffery is typically associated with advertising or marketing language and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, flattery is often associated with a more informal tone and is less likely to be used in formal settings.
