Pronunciation: [sˈɒftɪz] (IPA) 
The word "softies" is written with the letter combination 's-o-f-t-i-e-s'. In IPA phonetic transcription, it can be represented as /sɒftiz/ where the 'o' represents the short 'o' sound as in 'soft', 'f' and 't' are pronounced as usual, 'i' is pronounced with a long 'e' sound as in 'feet', and the 'e-s' ending is pronounced as a 'z' sound. Softies is a colloquial term often used to describe people who are sensitive or easily hurt.
Softies, as a noun, is a colloquial term used to describe individuals who are perceived as emotionally sensitive or easily affected by sentimentality. It often refers to people who are gentle, kind-hearted, and sympathetic in nature. The term "softies" carries both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context it is used in.
In a positive light, softies are often admired for their compassion and empathy. They tend to be more understanding and supportive towards others, exhibiting a level of emotional intelligence that allows them to connect deeply with people and situations. Softies are usually comfortable expressing their own emotions and may have a knack for comforting and helping others through difficult times.
On the other hand, in a negative sense, softies may be seen as overly sensitive or weak-willed. They could be easily moved to tears or affected by seemingly trivial matters. The term softies can be used mockingly or dismissively, implying that these individuals lack resilience or the ability to handle adversity effectively.
It is important to note that the term is subjective and may vary in meaning depending on cultural norms and individual perspectives. Softies, as a descriptor, is used to categorize people based on their emotional inclination and sensitivity, characterized by kindness and empathy at one extreme, or fragility and vulnerability at the other.
The word "softies" is derived from the adjective "soft".
Etymologically, the word "soft" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled as "sōfte". This word evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "samftijaz", which meant gentle or mild. The initial meaning of "soft" referred to something that was not hard or rough.
The noun form "softy" appeared in the late 19th century, derived from the adjective "soft" by adding the suffix "-y", which often implies a diminutive or derogatory sense. Initially, "softy" referred to a person who was overly sentimental, easily moved to compassion, or lacking in toughness or resilience.
