An angry or annoyed mood; a loud breath or sigh showing displeasure or indignation.
Possibly imitative, from the sound of heavy breathing or sighing in annoyance. May relate to 'huff and puff,' emphasizing the sound of frustration or exertion.
'In a huff' perfectly captures that moment when someone is so mad they literally start breathing loudly—the word itself imitates the heavy sighing sound, which is why saying 'he left in a huff' feels so vivid and immediate.
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