Understanding the Slang Term 'Puff' in Capacitor Measurements

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the slang term "puff" used in reference to capacitor measurements, specifically the informal use of "puff" to denote picofarads (pF). Participants explore the origins and implications of this terminology within engineering and technical contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that "puff" is a verbal shorthand for picofarad, which is equal to 10^-12 Farads.
  • Others engage in playful banter, referencing the children's song "Puff the Magic Dragon" in a humorous context.
  • A participant expresses a desire to adopt the slang to fit in better with their peers, indicating a social aspect to the use of the term.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be general agreement on the understanding of "puff" as shorthand for picofarad, but the discussion remains light-hearted and does not delve into technical disagreements.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address any technical limitations or assumptions regarding the use of slang in professional settings.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in engineering slang, capacitor terminology, or informal communication within technical fields may find this discussion relevant.

lennybogzy
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'puff' capacitor??

I work with a bunch of engineers/techs and they refer to (for example) a 100pF cap as a "100 puff" cap. What the hell are they talking about? Is this slang
 
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lennybogzy said:
I work with a bunch of engineers/techs and they refer to (for example) a 100pF cap as a "100 puff" cap. What the hell are they talking about? Is this slang

LOL. It's verbal shorthand for a picofarad, 10^-12 Farads.
 


Puff the magic dragon ?
 


crx said:
Puff the magic dragon ?

No, silly. pF the magic dragon. :smile:

Now, is it pronounced GigaWatts, or JigaWatts? That's a much more important question.
 


crx said:
Puff the magic dragon ?

Code:
Puff the magic capacitor lived by the inductor,
And wallowed in the coulomb charge in a land called resonance.

Little Jackie paper was a dielectric,
Not as good as polypropylene or other fancy polymers. Oh
...

:wink:
 
Last edited:


Great thanks for the replies thAt's what I figured. I used the term picofarad and they looked at me all weird. I got to be cool, start sayin puff. "yeH man just pop a 10 puff cap up in here an let's hit the club"
 

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