warm and fuzzy

American  

[wawrm uhn fuhz-ee] / ˈwɔrm ən ˈfʌz i /

adjective

Informal,

1. having, expressing, or producing feelings of tenderness, love, or affection.

   Attending the birth and holding my newborn child made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

   She wasn't a very warm and fuzzy mother.

2. having, expressing, or producing a sense of being heartened, comforted, uplifted, or cheered, often in a nostalgic way.

   Gradually they learn not to mistrust each other, but that's as warm and fuzzy as the movie gets.

   Doesn't it make you all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that our banks posted record profits?

3. filled with or expressing feelings of altruism, benevolence, nobility, etc., often in a self-conscious or self-congratulatory way.

   The warm and fuzzy feeling that arises when helping others is what drives many to donate.

   Wearing the symbol lets you feel warm and fuzzy about having done something without having to do anything.

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Etymology

Origin of warm and fuzzy

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Based on the 2020 novel “Box Hill,” “Pillion” is often scandalous, but it also offers classic rom-com warm and fuzzy feelings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

That's a bit of a stretch, but it is a Christmas romance with a touch of class and gives the required warm and fuzzy feels.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

“The Tenants” was barely released, and Snoop’s warm and fuzzy personality in front of the camera did not always carry over when the lights went off, when he could be moody and difficult.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2024

“But he wasn’t warm and fuzzy, on and off camera.”

From New York Times • Jun. 19, 2024

She’d never really gotten the term warm and fuzzy, but Frank gave her that sensation.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan