soft boy
/sɒft bɔɪ/
Meaning
A slang term (often spelled 'softboi') for a guy who projects a sensitive, artistic, and emotionally vulnerable persona. While he seems gentler than traditional 'macho' men, the term is often used critically to describe someone who uses this sensitive image to manipulate others.
Examples
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He's such a soft boy; he literally wears oversized sweaters and listens to indie vinyl all day.
He's such a soft boy; he literally wears oversized sweaters and listens to indie vinyl all day.
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Watch out for him—he plays the soft boy card, but he's just as manipulative as anyone else.
Watch out for him—he plays the soft boy card, but he's just as manipulative as anyone else.
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She has a huge weakness for the artistic soft boy aesthetic.
She has a huge weakness for the artistic soft boy aesthetic.
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He tried to win her back by writing a sensitive poem, classic soft boy behavior.
He tried to win her back by writing a sensitive poem, classic soft boy behavior.
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I thought he was a genuine soft boy, but he ghosted me after talking about his deep feelings.
I thought he was a genuine soft boy, but he ghosted me after talking about his deep feelings.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He is very soft boy.
✓ He is such a soft boy.
'Soft boy' is a noun phrase, not an adjective. You must use 'a soft boy' or describe someone as having a 'soft boy aesthetic'.
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✗ I like soft boys because they are physically weak.
✓ I like soft boys because they seem sensitive and artistic.
In slang, 'soft' refers to emotional sensitivity, interest in art, and gentle fashion, not physical weakness.
Related Expressions
Practice
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He acts like a sensitive ___ who loves poetry, but it's just an act to get attention.
💡 emotionally sensitive, artistic male archetype
Show answer
soft boy
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Her ex was a typical ___ who spent all his money on indie records and vintage cardigans.
💡 aesthetic characterized by gentleness, art, and vulnerability
Show answer
soft boy