puffer

n. an automobile left unattended and running in cold weather. Subjects: Colorado, English, Automobiles & Transportation, Police

Editorial Note: This term appears to be specific to Colorado.

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Citations: 2000 Kevin Vaughan Rocky Mountain News (Denver, Colo.) (Dec. 19) “Cars Left Running Easy Prey For Thieves Police Say Don’t Leave Keys In Car’s Ignition” p. 5A: The youngsters, a 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, were arrested Friday in a traffic stop and accused of stealing a “puffer”—a car left running on a cold morning to warm up. 2001 Kieran Nicholson Denver Post (Colo.) (Dec. 23) “Jefferson County Bulletin” p. B2: “Puffer” is the term police use to describe cars that are left running and unattended to warm up during cold weather. 2004 Sean Kelly, Ann Schrader Denver Post (Colo.) (Nov. 30) “Commuters contend with storm’s icy aftermath” p. B1: Police Chief Gerry Whitman said officers also will be on the lookout for “puffers”—unattended cars puffing exhaust while warming up. The cars often are stolen for joy rides or wind up being used in crimes. Anyone who leaves a car running unattended faces a traffic citation and a fine. Ironically, on the same day Denver police issued the puffer warning to motorists, an unmarked police car was stolen while warming up. 2005 Amanda C. Sutterer Broomfield Enterprise (Colo.) (Jan. 19) “Puff and it’s gone: running cars equal trouble”: The police call them “puffers,” most likely because the little clouds of exhaust they exude during the cold, wintry months resemble puffs of smoke. The police term refers to cars left running while owners wipe off snow, scrape frost and head back inside for one last cup of coffee before heading to work.

Posted 28 Jan 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend