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noun

softy

Softy (noun) means a person who is easily moved, overly kind, or reluctant to be strict. Example: “He acts tough, but he's a real softy when it comes to his kids.”

noun
1
A person who is easily moved, overly kind, or reluctant to be strict.
"He acts tough, but he's a real softy when it comes to his kids."
"Dad's a softy — he always lets us stay up late."

How to use softy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who is gentle-hearted, sentimental, or finds it hard to be firm or say no.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "softie," the slang term for a Microsoft employee.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
a real softy such a softy

Word forms

softies plural

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Fill the gap

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He acts tough, but he's a real _____ when it comes to his kids.

Etymology

Built from soft plus the informal suffix -y.

Related words

Rhymes for softy

See all rhymes for softy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “softy” mean?

The word “softy” means a person who is easily moved, overly kind, or reluctant to be strict. In plain terms, someone who is gentle-hearted, sentimental, or finds it hard to be firm or say no.

How do you use “softy” in a sentence?

Here is “softy” used in a sentence: “He acts tough, but he's a real softy when it comes to his kids.”

What part of speech is “softy”?

“Softy” is a noun.

What is the meaning of softy?

"softy" (noun) means a person who is easily moved, overly kind, or reluctant to be strict.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial