Definition

1. Noun:
   • A thick, firm cushion used as a low seat or footstool: A piece of furniture, often round or cylindrical, stuffed with soft material and used for sitting or resting feet upon.
   • (Offensive slang) A derogatory term for an effeminate or openly homosexual man: An offensive and dated term, considered a slur.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Cushion):
  • She placed the velvet pouf in front of the fireplace to use as a footrest.
  • The living room was decorated with several colorful poufs for extra seating.
• Noun (Slang - Offensive):
  • The use of the term "pouf" as a slur is unacceptable and hurtful.

Advanced Usage

• "Pouf" as a style element: In interior design, a pouf is often considered a versatile and informal piece of furniture that adds texture and color to a room.
  • The Moroccan leather pouf added an exotic touch to the decor.

Variants and Related Words

• Pouffe: An alternative spelling for the cushion, more common in British English.
  • She bought a beautiful silk pouffe for her dressing room.
• Ottoman: A synonym for the furniture item, though an ottoman is often larger and may have storage.
• Hassock: Another synonym, often used for a firm cushion for kneeling in church or as a footstool.

Synonyms

• For the cushion: Footstool, ottoman, hassock, cushion, tuffet.
• For the slur (to be avoided): This meaning has offensive synonyms that should not be used.

Word Origin and Notes

• The word "pouf" for the cushion entered English from French in the 19th century, from , an exclamation or imitative of the sound of something soft and inflated.
• The derogatory slang meaning emerged in the mid-20th century and is derived from the earlier sense of a puffed-up or exaggerated style, associated with effeminacy. Important Note: This second meaning is highly offensive and should be avoided in all contexts.

Noun

1. thick cushion used as a seat
2. offensive term for an openly homosexual man