fluff

[ fluhf ]

noun

1. light, downy particles, as of cotton.
2. a soft, light, downy mass:

   a fluff of summer clouds.

3. something of no consequence:

   The book is pure fluff, but fun to read.

4. an error or blunder, especially an actor's memory lapse in the delivery of lines.

verb (used with object)

1. to make into fluff; shake or puff out (feathers, hair, etc.) into a fluffy mass (often followed by up ):

   to fluff up the sofa pillows.

2. to make a mistake in:

   The leading man fluffed his lines.

verb (used without object)

1. to become fluffy; move, float, or settle down like fluff.
2. to make a mistake, especially in the delivery of lines by a performer; blunder.

fluff

/ flʌf /

noun

1. soft light particles, such as the down or nap of cotton or wool
2. any light downy substance
3. an object, matter, etc, of little importance; trifle
4. informal.
   a mistake, esp in speaking or reading lines or performing music
5. informal.
   a young woman (esp in the phrase a bit of fluff )

verb

1. to make or become soft and puffy by shaking or patting; puff up
2. informal.
   to make a mistake in performing (an action, dramatic speech, music, etc)

Other Words From

• fluffer noun
• un·fluffed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluff¹

1780–90; perhaps blend of flue ² and puff

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluff¹

C18: perhaps from flue ²

Example Sentences

But Trump always cared about having his ego regularly fluffed over boring matters of governance, and this tendency appears to have worsened with age.

From Salon

At the time, her colleagues paid tribute to an actor who never fluffed a line.

From BBC

Smith himself had two fluffed drop-goal attempts, both uglier shanks than Ford’s effort.

From BBC

Back came the Dodgers, with two men on base and the script surely written for an Ohtani walk-off - but after he fluffed his lines, Freeman put the seal on a memorable game.

From BBC

But she stresses he’s healthy - essentially half fluff - and he’ll soon begin to drop weight naturally.

From BBC

Related Words

• fuzz
• lint

More About Fluff

What does fluff mean?

Fluff is a light, soft mass, such as cotton or a cloud, as in After I shaved my head, the hair that grew back was soft, like fluff.

To fluff something means to shake or puff out something, as with pillows. When you fluff your hair, you might shake it out a bit so that it puffs up and looks fluffy.

Fluff can also describe something that is of little importance, such as a novel that someone deems fun but not at all serious.

Fluff is also a mistake, especially a situation in which an actor forgets their lines. To fluff is to make such a mistake, as in Valerie fluffed her lines during the first scene, but she quickly recovered.

Example: When Grace and I were stuffing the pillows we had made, we had fluff flying all over the living room.

Where does fluff come from?

The first records of the term fluff come from around 1780. It comes from the combination of flue, meaning “downy matter,” and puff, meaning “a short, quick breath.”

Fluff usually refers to something that is soft or fluffy, but can occasionally have meanings referring to mistakes. This is because in theater and film, a fluff is a mistake or flub made when an actor or actress forgets their lines. Marshmallow fluff is a creamy, sweet spread that is particularly popular in New England. Many children enjoy a fluffernutter sandwich, that is, a sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff for their lunch.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to fluff?

• fluffy (adjective)
• unfluffed (adjective)

What are some synonyms for fluff?

• down
• fuzz
• lint
• mistake

What are some words that share a root or word element with fluff? 

• flue
• puff

What are some words that often get used in discussing fluff?

• pillow
• soft
• slip
• stumble

How is fluff used in real life?

When fluff refers to an error, it can be used in an unconcerned way or angrily.

Why are wasps so angry?!? Probs jealous of bees and their swaggy fluff

— Phil Lester (@AmazingPhil) June 16, 2017

Once I was reading a super emotional fluff and I couldn't hold my tears… it was so weird, the people around were worried about me 🥲

— Kenouki (@shin_kenouki) October 12, 2021

And if you want better reporting — buy it. Subscribe to WAPO, NYTIMES, WSJ, Locals. Use your wallet. Read the serious – resist the fluff.

— Katy Tur (@KatyTurNBC) January 21, 2017

 

 

Try using fluff!

Is fluff used correctly in the following sentence?

A baby duckling is covered in downy fluff, making them soft and cuddly.