mid-15c., apparently imitative of exhaling. Extended sense of "bluster with indignation" is attested from 1590s. Related: Huffed; huffing. As a slang term for a type of narcotics abuse, by 1996. As a noun from 1590s; to leave in a huff is recorded from 1778. Popular terms for "strong beer or ale" noted from 1577 include huff cap as well as mad dog and dragon's milk.
To inhale glue, gasoline, or aerosol fumes for intoxicating effect: The deaths of three Wisconsin teenagers after they inhaled aerosol fumes to get high, the practice known as ''huffing'' (1980s+ Narcotics)
Related Terms compression
To compress data using Huffman coding. Various programs that use such methods have been called "HUFF" or some variant thereof.
Opposite: puff. Compare crunch, compress.
[Jargon File]
(1994-12-23)