fluff
UK[flʌf]US[flʌf]
n
soft, light, and loose fibers or particles, such as those from wool, cotton, or feathers.
n
something light, trivial, or of little substance.
v
to make something appear fuller, larger, or softer by shaking or brushing it.
v
to fail to perform something correctly or successfully; to make a mistake.
Etymology
the word 'fluff' is believed to be an imitative or echoic formation from the late 18th century, likely mimicking the light, puffing sound made by blowing on or shaking something soft and feathery. it is part of a family of expressive words beginning with 'fl-' that suggest loose motion or light contact, such as 'flutter', 'flap', and 'flick'. the term initially described light, downy particles before its meaning extended metaphorically to describe anything insubstantial or trivial. its use as a verb, meaning to make something fluffy or to bungle a task, developed naturally from these core concepts of lightness and lack of substance.
Analysis
this word is considered a simplex form. it is likely an onomatopoeic or imitative formation, mimicking the sound or light puff of air associated with soft, light material.
Examples
she brushed the fluff off her black sweater.
the article was entertaining but ultimately just intellectual fluff.
the actor fluffed his lines during the crucial scene.