soft soap: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (literal), Medium-Low (figurative)Informal, somewhat dated. The figurative sense is more common than the literal.
Quick answer
What does “soft soap” mean?
A mild, moisturizing soap made with oils and fats.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mild, moisturizing soap made with oils and fats; figuratively, insincere flattery or persuasive, smooth talk.
Primarily used in the figurative sense to describe language that is excessively complimentary, ingratiating, and insincere, intended to persuade or manipulate someone. The literal meaning refers to a type of soap with a high glycerin content or made with potassium hydroxide, resulting in a softer, often liquid or paste-like consistency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties understand and use the term similarly. The figurative sense might be slightly more prevalent in older British usage.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in the figurative sense in both dialects.
Frequency
Uncommon in contemporary literal use in both dialects. The figurative sense is recognized but not highly frequent.
Grammar
How to Use “soft soap” in a Sentence
[Subject] + lay on + the soft soap[Subject] + is immune to + soft soap[Subject] + tried + soft soap + on [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “soft soap” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to soft-soap the committee with promises of future investment.
American English
- The sales rep is just soft-soaping you to get the commission.
adjective
British English
- He's got a soft-soap manner that I don't trust.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The manager saw through the consultant's soft soap and demanded hard data."
Academic
Rare. Possibly in historical or sociological texts discussing rhetoric or persuasion.
Everyday
"Don't think you can get round me with that soft soap!"
Technical
Literally, in chemistry or cosmetic formulation contexts describing soap-making processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “soft soap”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “soft soap”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “soft soap”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a soft soap'). Figuratively, it's uncountable.
- Confusing it with 'soft soap' as a verb phrase, which is rare.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. The literal meaning is largely historical. Modern equivalents are 'liquid soap', 'moisturizing soap', or 'castile soap'.
Yes, the hyphenated verb 'to soft-soap' (meaning to flatter or persuade with smooth talk) is derived from the noun and is in use.
No, it is informal. More formal equivalents for the figurative sense include 'flattery', 'adulation', or 'obsequiousness'.
They are very close synonyms. 'Soft soap' might imply a slightly more sustained, smooth-talking approach, while 'butter up' can be more direct and transactional.
A mild, moisturizing soap made with oils and fats.
Soft soap: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɒft ˈsəʊp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɔːft ˈsoʊp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lay on the soft soap (to flatter excessively)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of soap that's soft and slippery—just like insincere compliments that slip off the tongue easily.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSUASION IS LUBRICATION (smooth talk makes agreement easier).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'soft soap' in its figurative sense?