A puffed-up VIP (5)
I believe the answer is:
swell
This clue could be a double definition.
'a puffed-up' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'vip' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for swell that I've seen before include "Person of high social standing" , "mushroom" , "Excellent (slang)" , "wonderful" , "Expand - big wig" .)