chuff

¹ American  

[chuhf] / tʃʌf /

noun

1. a rustic.

2. a boor; churl.

3. a miserly fellow.

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chuff ² American  

[chuhf, choof] / tʃʌf, tʃʊf /

adjective

British Dialect.

1. chubby; fat.

2. swollen with pride; proud; elated.

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chuff ³ American  

[chuhf] / tʃʌf /

noun

1. a sound of or like the exhaust of a steam engine.

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verb (used without object)

1. to emit or proceed with chuffs; puff.

   The train chuffed along.

chuff ¹ British  

/ tʃʌf /

noun

1. a puffing sound of or as if of a steam engine

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verb

1. (intr) to move while emitting such sounds

   the train chuffed on its way

chuff ² British  

/ tʃʌf /

noun

1. dialect a boor; churl; sullen fellow

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chuff ³ British  

/ tʃʌf /

verb

1. slang (tr; usually passive) to please or delight

   he was chuffed by his pay rise

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Etymology

Origin of chuff¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English chuffe, choffe, chutte, of obscure origin

Origin of chuff²

First recorded in 1600–10; compare earlier chuff “puffed cheek”

Origin of chuff³

First recorded in 1910–15; imitative

Example Sentences

“I always am chuffed when people come up and recognize me or have followed my career. It never gets old.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement, Willis, 49, said: "I'm absolutely chuffed to be joining the family - and it's a real honour to follow in the huge footsteps Zoe leaves behind, who's someone I admire and adore."

From BBC

It's not a PB, but I'm chuffed and my sprint at the end was exceptional, if I do say so myself.

From BBC

"Everyone in the blood cancer community, whether they're affected by leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma is genuinely chuffed and deeply grateful," she said.

From BBC

As Orange County has gone chuffing along to national applause, L.A. has gone into overdrive, launched into international orbit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boor
• lout
• oaf