flossy
/flossy/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Soft and fluffy, resembling floss or down: The primary meaning describes something that has a very soft, light, and airy texture, similar to silk floss or the fine, soft feathers of a young bird (down).
- (Slang, chiefly US) Showy, flashy, or ostentatious: A secondary, informal meaning used to describe something (often clothing or style) that is overly fancy, gaudy, or intended to attract attention.
Examples of Usage
Adjective (Soft texture): The kitten's fur was incredibly flossy and delicate. She brushed the flossy dandelion seeds into the air.
Adjective (Slang: Showy): He arrived at the party in a flossy new suit covered in sequins. The club's decor was a bit too flossy for my taste.
Advanced Usage
"Flossy" as a descriptor for hair: Sometimes used to describe very fine, soft, and silky hair. Her flossy blonde hair shone in the sunlight.
Comparative and Superlative Forms: "Flossier," "Flossiest." Of the two fabrics, the angora wool is flossier. This is the flossiest blanket I've ever felt.
Variants and Related Words
- Floss (noun): A soft, silky thread, originally from silk; also used for dental floss.
- Flossiness (noun): The quality of being flossy (either soft or showy).
Synonyms
- For "soft" meaning: Downy, silky, fluffy, feathery, fleecy.
- For "showy" meaning: Flashy, gaudy, ostentatious, glitzy, garish.
Related Idioms or Phrases
- No common idioms directly use "flossy." The word itself, in its slang sense, functions as a descriptive idiom for excessive style.
Adjective
-
like down or as soft as down
