What word should I use to indicate the sound that a person makes when blowing through their mouth (e.g they're blowing out a candle or blowing hot noodles before eating)?
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3English does not restrict spellings when non-linguistic sounds are being expressed. So, any way you want to. Consult some comix for examples.– John LawlerSep 2, 2022 at 14:27
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2 Answers
Sigh is used for the sound of blowing air out, although it has another usage as well. Merriam-Webster makes the distinction clear with two senses listed for the noun sigh and we are referring to the second sense:
1 : an often involuntary act of sighing especially when expressing an emotion or feeling (such as weariness or relief)
2 : the sound of gently moving or escaping air
// sighs of the summer breeze
It is even mentioned in Japanese Manga SFX (sound effects) where you would expect to see it. It is used in anime/cartoon subtitles also.
Source: thejadednetwork.com
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I don't think this is a common English usage. I suspect a poor translation from Japanese.– BarmarSep 4, 2022 at 22:00
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It is not about colloquial usage though. It is a written representation of a sound used in mangas, animes, comics etc.; and it is related to one of the senses of sigh.– ermanenSep 5, 2022 at 7:09
I suppose it could be opinion-based, but I offer
I huffed out the candle.
huff
verb
to blow or puff loudly
ETYMOLOGY
16c: imitating the sound of blowing or puffing loudly.
answered Sep 2, 2022 at 15:37
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1I think of huff as coming from the throat with lips/mouth open not acting as a nozzle to increase or direct the flow.– JimSep 2, 2022 at 16:35
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1I think a grunt has some vocalization in it. A huff is just air being expelled. Like A single breath/exhale from the series of breaths you’re making when you just got done running hard.– JimSep 2, 2022 at 17:44