Greetings,

Quite often, people will use the term 'fluffy' (myself included) whenever they are criticizing a work, primarily a work on Neo-Paganism.  It is quite obvious that these people are referring to the 'voice' of the authors of the books out there on Neo-Paganism and Witchcraft, but sometimes it becomes so normal to call an author 'fluffy' that people might or might not know what it means - even if the meaning is their own definition.  Some have used it to mean 'perky' or 'happy' and others have used it to mean 'lacking substance.' 

Well, the Dictionary.com definition is below: 



Now, everyone's take on this definition can depend. 


Whenever I describe fluffy, I personally do not describe a happy or cheerful person.  While sometimes being a 'perky author' might be troublesome in the reading, they can still have intellectual weight in their writing, as well as knowledge worth knowing.  When describing someone who is perky, I usually like using the word 'bubbly' now, since it seems less condescending and it also does not imply the 'lack of intellectual weight' part of the 'fluffy' definition.  Besides, some people find me an 'overly nice sweetheart' but still 'intelligent,' so I would only insult myself if I started to use 'fluffy' to describe someone perky or hyperactive or overly nice. 


However, I may also be missing something here when I am generalizing how people use the word: fluffy.  Do you use the word 'fluffy'?  How do you feel about the word?  How do you define the word?


Sincerely,
ResplendentSeraphim

This is exactly what I mean by "fluffy". There are people who, for want of a better word, just come across as slightly air headed.

While I do understand where some of these authors are coming from in regards to pagan/wiccan self help books, I.e. the need to not scare off the "newbies" who are their bread and butter. I just can't condone some of that absolute nonsense they try to push. They have been so worried in the past 15 years with being politically correct so as to maintain a "enlightened" persona, that the real daily practices get lost under all that
"FLUFF".


This is also true. I love that droll kind of humor, but you are right Poppy. It doesn't translate well with out the raised eyebrow or a "wink, wink, nudge, nudge" LOL!

Hmmmm.  To tell the truth I don't think I've ever used the word fluffy other than to describe a rabbit.  But, with that said I would have to go with door number 3 for $500 Alex.  What is having little or no intellectual weight...... 

Ahhh I totally forgot about the pulmonary avioli brochitis.   .  I learned something too.  And now you know why I'm not a Dr.