Fluffy Language - Grasshopper

Pure and simple, the term “fluff” in language means nonspecific. I’ve written on the topic many times but fluff seems to be more of the rule rather than the exception with each passing year.

Nonspecific language is circular in nature. It doesn’t go anywhere except around and around. 

Most politicians give fluffy answers. That means they fatten up the answer without clearing up the story.

The same is true in everyday conversation. Just eavesdrop on a convo in the deli line or the doctors’ waiting room and you’ll get an earful of fluff. 

One of the biggest fluff words is “soon.” “When specifically will my package be delivered? Oh, it will be there soon.” There is nothing definite about soon.

Reminds me of a story . . . I ordered a microphone and it was shipped out with 2 day delivery. I got an email saying it would be delivered between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. When 1:30 rolled around, I called customer service and said my delivery time had come and gone and wanted to know when it would be delivered. This young woman from the Philippines said, “Soon.” I politely asked, “When specifically is soon?” She said her information was it was out for delivery and would be there by the “end of the day,” another fluffy reference. I asked if she could message the driver and get me a more definite time. “We don’t normally do that except for emergencies.”

I was getting nowhere, so I made up a story. I asked this young woman if she knew who Taylor Swift was. She gushed and said, “Oh, yes, she is my absolute favorite and I really want to see her in concert but she’s not coming to the Philippines.” I said, “Taylor has a home here in Rhode Island where I live and I’m supposed to deliver that mic for a recording session she’s having at 4 o’clock today in her home studio. Could you please see what you can do to get me a more precise time?” She agreed and we hung up.

Forty minutes later the mic arrived. Did my story get it here quicker or was it just the normal delivery time? I’ll never know. But the message here is to challenge fluffy language if you want more accurate answers.

Fluff may be a tasty treat if you’re eating a “Fluffernutter,” but you’ll only beat around the bush if you give or receive fluffy answers.

All the best,