noun
softy
noun
1
A person who is easily moved, overly kind, or reluctant to be strict.
"He acts tough, but he's a real softy when it comes to his kids."
"Dad's a softy — he always lets us stay up late."
How to Use Softy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who is gentle-hearted, sentimental, or finds it hard to be firm or say no.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "softie," the slang term for a Microsoft employee.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a real softy
such a softy
Word Forms
softies plural
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He acts tough, but he's a real _____ when it comes to his kids.
Etymology
Built from soft plus the informal suffix -y.