huff

The story

Probably an altered spelling of earlier *hough, represented by Scots hech (“to breathe hard, pant”). Compare also German hauchen (“to breathe”).

First known use, by meaning

• from the 16th c. To bluster or swell with anger, arrogance, or pride; to storm; to take offense.
• from the 20th c. To inhale psychoactive inhalants.