English · Phrasal verb Attested

puff up

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To inflate with air.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

bơm khí vào

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Where it’s used: Used American English

We puffed up the balloons.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To fluff up, such as an animal raising its fur or feathers to appear larger or conserve body heat.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

làm phồng lên để trông lớn hơn hoặc giữ ấm

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To swell due to injury or illness.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

sưng lên do chấn thương hoặc bệnh

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

What does “puff up” mean?

To inflate with air.

Is “puff up” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.