The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word PUFFS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
P
U
F
F
S
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PUFFS mean?
PUFFS verb- To emit smoke, gas, etc., in puffs.
- To pant.
- To advertise.
- To blow as an expression of scorn.
- To swell with air; to be dilated or inflated.
- To breathe in a swelling, inflated, or pompous manner; hence, to assume importance.
- To drive with a puff, or with puffs.
- To repel with words; to blow at contemptuously.
- To cause to swell or dilate; to inflate.
- To inflate with pride, flattery, self-esteem, etc.; often with up.
- To praise with exaggeration; to flatter; to call public attention to by praises; to praise unduly.