fluff: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “fluff” mean?
Soft, light, loose material such as small fibres from wool, cotton, or fabric.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Soft, light, loose material such as small fibres from wool, cotton, or fabric.
Something trivial, insubstantial, or of little importance; also, to make a mistake or perform poorly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'fluff' similarly. Slight preference in UK for 'fluff' as verb meaning 'to make a mistake' (e.g., in speaking).
Connotations
Generally light, trivial, sometimes endearing (e.g., 'kitten fluff'), sometimes dismissive (e.g., 'the article is just fluff').
Frequency
Comparatively common in both, slightly more frequent in UK English in spoken informal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “fluff” in a Sentence
fluff (sth) upfluff (one's lines)be fluffed with sthVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fluff” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He fluffed his lines during the audition.
- She fluffed up the cushions.
American English
- The actor fluffed the opening line.
- Fluff the pillows before guests arrive.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The jumper left fluff all over my trousers.
- It's just fluff journalism.
American English
- My sweater sheds a lot of fluff.
- The report contained too much fluff content.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used negatively to describe insubstantial content in marketing or reports.
Academic
Rare; if used, pejorative for weak arguments or filler content.
Everyday
Common for describing soft material on clothes, pets, or trivial matters.
Technical
In textiles, refers to loose fibres; in media, a performance error.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fluff”
- Using 'fluff' as a formal critique; confusing 'fluff' (noun) with 'fluffy' (adj).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. It can be neutral (describing physical material) or endearing (e.g., baby's fluff), but is often dismissive when referring to content or substance.
Yes, commonly meaning to shake or pat something to make it softer (fluff pillows) or to make a mistake, especially in speaking or performing (fluff one's lines).
They are often interchangeable for small fibres, but 'lint' specifically refers to fibres that accumulate on fabrics, often from washing or wear, while 'fluff' is more general soft, light material.
It is dated and often considered offensive as it was used to refer dismissively or objectifyingly to a woman. It is best avoided in modern usage.
Soft, light, loose material such as small fibres from wool, cotton, or fabric.
Fluff is usually informal in register.
Fluff: in British English it is pronounced /flʌf/, and in American English it is pronounced /flʌf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a bit of fluff (dated, potentially offensive)”
- “fluff one's lines”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FLUFF sounds like 'fluffy' – think of a fluffy kitten shedding soft fur.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS WEIGHT / SUBSTANCE IS SOLID → fluff is light and insubstantial.
Practice
Quiz
In media criticism, 'fluff' typically refers to: