pouf
/pu:f/ Cách viết khác : (pouffe) /pu:f/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- thick cushion used as a seat
- offensive term for an openly homosexual man