verb
fluff
Do something badly through a mistake.
The actor fluffs his opening line but keeps going.
Etymology
Probably a figurative extension of fluff, first familiar for mistakes in theatrical performance. The precise bridge to botching an attempt is uncertain.
More examples
- I fluffed the introduction and had to start again.
- She fluffs an easy catch, and the ball drops.
- He worries about fluffing his answer during the interview.
Forms
fluff · fluffs · fluffed · fluffing