fluff
UK: flʌf | US: flʌf
n. light, soft, or loose fibers or particles (e.g., fabric lint, dust)
n. something trivial or lacking substance
vt. to make something appear fuller or softer (e.g., fluffing a pillow)
vi. to fail or perform poorly (colloquial, e.g., "fluffed the speech")
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"Fluff" is an onomatopoeic word from the late 18th century, imitating the sound or motion of light particles (like puffing air). The initial fl- is a phonestheme (sound-meaning unit) in English suggesting lightness or movement (e.g., "flutter," "flick"), while -uff echoes "puff." Its meanings evolved from literal lightness (e.g., lint) to metaphorical triviality or failure.
She brushed the fluff off her black sweater.
The article was entertaining but full of fluff.
He fluffed the pillows before guests arrived.
The actor fluffed his lines during the live performance.
Cottonwood trees shed fluff in early summer.