What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
puffing
Example
He was puffing himself up by claiming he had won multiple awards. [puffing: verb]
Example
The company's puffing of their product's benefits was misleading and unethical. [puffing: noun]
flattery
Example
She used flattery to get her boss to give her a promotion. [flattery: noun]
Example
He flattered her by telling her she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. [flattered: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flattery is more commonly used than puffing in everyday language. Flattery is often used in social situations to gain favor or influence with others, while puffing is more commonly used in marketing or advertising contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between puffing and flattery?
Both puffing and flattery can be used in informal or formal contexts, but flattery is generally seen as more appropriate in formal situations, such as business meetings or job interviews, while puffing is more commonly used in advertising or marketing contexts.
