warm and fuzzy

[ wawrm uhn fuhz-ee ]

adjective

, Informal,

1. having, expressing, or producing feelings of tenderness, love, or affection:

   Attending the birth and holding my newborn child made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

   She wasn't a very warm and fuzzy mother.

2. having, expressing, or producing a sense of being heartened, comforted, uplifted, or cheered, often in a nostalgic way:

   Gradually they learn not to mistrust each other, but that's as warm and fuzzy as the movie gets.

   Doesn't it make you all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that our banks posted record profits?

3. filled with or expressing feelings of altruism, benevolence, nobility, etc., often in a self-conscious or self-congratulatory way:

   The warm and fuzzy feeling that arises when helping others is what drives many to donate.

   Wearing the symbol lets you feel warm and fuzzy about having done something without having to do anything.

Word History and Origins

Origin of warm and fuzzy¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

“So-called sanctuary cities and states sound warm and fuzzy, but the protections they offer aren’t for abuelas getting ice cream, they’re for people who entered the country illegally and committed additional crimes.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I have horrible anxiety and some of them calm me and make me feel warm and fuzzy lol.”

From Los Angeles Times

“The Tenants” was barely released, and Snoop’s warm and fuzzy personality in front of the camera did not always carry over when the lights went off, when he could be moody and difficult.

From Los Angeles Times

“But he wasn’t warm and fuzzy, on and off camera.”

From New York Times

In recent decades — in what constitutes a messaging debacle — climate change activists have tried to shape public opinion by presenting renewables such as solar, wind, and hydropower as warm and fuzzy alternatives to fossil fuels.

From Seattle Times