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Softy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜Š
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softy

[หˆsษ’fti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

informal

A person who is sensitive, gentle, or easily hurt emotionally.

Synonyms

emotional, gentle, sensitive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
softy

Used informally to describe someone who is easily affected by emotions, often in a negative way to imply weakness.

  • John may look tough, but he's a softy when it comes to animals
  • Don't be such a softy; it's just a movie
sensitive

Describes someone who easily feels emotions and is aware of the feelings of others, often used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • She's very sensitive and gets upset at criticism
  • You need to be sensitive to their situation; they're going through a hard time
gentle

Refers to someone who is kind, soft-hearted, and careful not to hurt others, usually in a positive sense.

  • The doctor has a very gentle touch with his patients
  • He's known for his gentle nature; he treats everyone with respect
emotional

Describes someone who has strong feelings or who shows their feelings easily. It can be used both in positive and negative contexts.

  • She gets very emotional during her favorite TV shows
  • He's an emotional person and often cries at weddings

Examples of usage

  • She's such a softy, she cries at every sad movie.
  • Don't be such a softy, stand up for yourself.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A soft or weak person, especially in a competitive or challenging situation.

Synonyms

pushover, spineless, weakling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
softy

This word is often used to describe someone who is kind-hearted or easily influenced due to compassion. It has a slightly informal and affectionate tone.

  • Everyone thinks he's a tough guy, but he's really a softy when it comes to his children
weakling

This term is used to describe someone who is physically or emotionally weak. It is often used in a derogatory way to point out someone's lack of strength.

  • He couldn't lift the heavy box; they called him a weakling
pushover

This term implies someone who is easily convinced or manipulated, usually due to a lack of assertiveness. It is often used in a slightly negative or dismissive way.

  • She never argues with anyone; she's such a pushover
spineless

This word is very negative, describing someone who lacks courage or strength of character. It implies cowardice and is used in situations where someone fails to stand up for themselves or others.

  • He didn't stand up for his friend; everyone thinks he's spineless

Examples of usage

  • Don't be a softy, you need to toughen up to succeed in this industry.
  • He's a softy when it comes to negotiations, always giving in too easily.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • 'Softy' has been used in movies and songs to describe characters with kind and sensitive natures, often serving as the heart of the story.
  • The term is frequently embraced in social media, especially among younger generations, to describe someone who shows vulnerability.

Psychology

  • Being labeled a 'softy' can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying weakness, but it can also highlight emotional intelligence.
  • Research suggests that people labeled as softies are often more empathetic and better at forming close relationships.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features 'softy' characters who undergo growth, demonstrating the journey from perceived weakness to inner strength.
  • In children's stories, softy characters usually represent kindness and warmth, teaching valuable lessons about compassion.

Language Use

  • 'Softy' might be used in colloquial expressions, often in a teasing manner, to describe someone who is overly emotional.
  • In various cultures, the ideal of being a softy is celebrated through stories that highlight the strength in kindness and gentleness.

Origin of 'softy'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'softy' combines 'soft,' meaning gentle or not firm, and the suffix '-y,' which often makes a noun feel more informal.
  • This word originated in the 20th century, often used informally to refer to someone with a tender heart.

The word 'softy' originated in the mid-19th century as a colloquial term to describe a person who is emotionally sensitive or gentle in nature. It is derived from the adjective 'soft,' which has been used to describe tenderness or delicacy since Middle English. Over time, 'softy' has evolved to also refer to someone who is perceived as weak or easily manipulated, especially in challenging situations.

See also: soft, softball, softbox, softcover, soften, softenable, softener, softening, softie, softly, softness, software.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,386, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.