fluff

fluff¹ [flʌf] n [U]

[Date: 1700-1800; Origin: Probably from flue 'fluff' (16-19 centuries), from Flemish vluwe]

1.) soft light bits of thread that have come from wool, cotton, or other materials

▪ He was picking bits of fluff off his trousers.

▪ a ball of carpet fluff

2.) soft light hair or feathers, especially on a young bird or animal

▪ The chicks were just balls of yellow fluff.

3.) news, music, writing, work etc that is not serious or important

▪ a magazine full of pop and fashion fluff

fluff ²

fluff² v [T]

1.) informal to make a mistake or do something badly

= ↑mess something<=>up

▪ He fluffed his shot and missed the goal.

▪ She fluffed her lines in the first scene.

2.) also fluff sth<=>up/out

to make something soft become larger by shaking it

▪ She fluffed up the pillows for me.

3.) also fluff sth<=>up/out

if a bird fluffs its feathers, it raises them and makes itself look bigger