chuff

Everyday

1. verb To make the puffing sound of a steam train: chuff-chuff. tree →
2. chuffed (UK, informal): very pleased. tree →
3. (UK, rude slang) Bottom; «chuffing» and «chuff me» are mild swear words like «flipping». tree →

In the lessons

In stories steam trains «chuff» along. In British everyday speech «I'm chuffed» or «chuffed to bits» means «I'm very pleased». «Chuffing» (as in «chuffing heck») is a mild, slightly rude word used when annoyed, mostly in northern England; not for school. Phrases: «chuffed to bits», «chuff along».

Examples

• The little steam train chuffed up the hill. tree →
• Chuff, chuff, chuff went the engine. tree →
• I'm well chuffed with my new bike. (UK) tree →
• Mum was chuffed to bits with her present. tree →
• «Chuffing heck, it's raining again!» said Uncle Dave. (rude) tree →
• The kettle chuffed out steam. tree →

Note

«Chuffed» is the common form and means pleased (UK, Ireland, Australia). Strange trap: «not chuffed» means displeased. «Chuffing» as a swear is mild but still rude.