der Puff
brothel
Colloquial and usually derogatory for a brothel, a house where prostitution takes place.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei hat bei einer Razzia einen illegalen Puff geschlossen.
During a raid, the police shut down an illegal brothel.
der Puff
brothel / mess / puff
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Meanings
der Puff
mess
Colloquial for a big mess or disorder.
EXAMPLE
Was ist das denn hier für ein Puff? Räum bitte dein Zimmer auf!
What kind of mess is this? Please clean up your room!
der Puff
puff
A dull, short sound produced by a light shove, impact, or small deflagration.
EXAMPLE
Mit einem leisen Puff landete das Kissen auf dem Sofa.
With a soft puff, the pillow landed on the sofa.
der Puff
puff
A puffed-up, billowy part of a piece of clothing, especially on sleeves (puff sleeves).
EXAMPLE
Das historische Kostüm hatte ein Kleid mit auffälligen Puffen an den Ärmeln.
The historical costume had a dress with striking puffs on the sleeves.
Usage tips
Colloquial word
The word 'Puff' is used colloquially in almost all of its meanings. In formal or official situations, you should avoid it, since depending on the context it can be perceived as inappropriate or even vulgar.
EXAMPLE
Dein Zimmer ist ein totaler Puff!
Your room is a total mess!
Context clue
The two most common colloquial meanings (brothel and mess) are distinguished by context. If people are talking about places in connection with prostitution, a brothel is meant. If it refers to the condition of a room, it means mess.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeitung berichtete über einen neuen Puff in der Bahnhofsgegend.
The newspaper reported on a new brothel in the station area.
Typical collocations
When 'Puff' means mess, it is often intensified with adjectives or phrases like 'ein einziger' (one big) or 'ein reiner' (a complete). The question 'Was ist das für ein Puff?' (What kind of mess is this?) is also a typical reaction to great chaos.
EXAMPLE
Sein Schreibtisch ist ein einziger Puff.
His desk is one big mess.
Describing a sound
In the meaning of a sound, 'Puff' is often used with the verb 'machen' (to make) or in the phrase 'mit einem Puff' (with a puff). It describes a short, dull, and not very loud sound.
EXAMPLE
Das Kissen machte einen leisen Puff, als es auf den Boden fiel.
The pillow made a soft puff when it fell to the floor.
Context: clothing
When 'Puff' appears in connection with clothing, fashion, or costumes, it refers to a puffed-up part. The compound 'Puffärmel' (puff sleeves) is especially common for sleeves of this kind.
EXAMPLE
Die Bluse mit den Puffärmeln ist wieder modern.
The blouse with puff sleeves is back in style.
In real life
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