Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who is perceived as weak, overly emotional, or excessively sentimental, especially one who is easily moved to pity or tenderness.

Usage

• The word "softy" is an informal, often affectionate, term. It describes someone whose gentle or emotional nature is seen as a form of weakness or lack of toughness. It can be used both critically and endearingly, depending on context and tone.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Don't let his gruff exterior fool you; he's a real softy when it comes to kittens.
  • She's such a softy that she cries during every sad movie.
  • He called me a softy for wanting to help the stray dog.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a softy for someone/something": To have a particular weakness or tender spot for a specific person, animal, or thing.
  • My grandfather is a softy for his grandchildren.
  • I'm a total softy for romantic comedies.

Variants and Related Words

• Softie: An alternative, equally common spelling of "softy."
• Soft-hearted (adj): Having a kind, sympathetic, and tender nature.
  • She is too soft-hearted to say no.

Synonyms

• Pushover: A person who is easily persuaded or dominated.
• Sentimentalist: A person who is excessively sentimental.
• Bleeding heart (informal, often derogatory): A person considered to be excessively sympathetic toward others.

Antonyms

• Hardliner: A person who adheres rigidly to a policy or position.
• Hard-hearted: Lacking in sympathy or feeling; unfeeling.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To have a soft spot for": To be especially fond of or sympathetic toward someone or something. (Note: This idiom uses "soft," not the noun "softy," but it conveys a related sentiment.)
  • He has a real soft spot for old jazz music.

Noun

1. a person who is weak and excessively sentimental