Cotton candy or spun sugar candy that resembles delicate, fluffy fibers; called 'fairyfloss' primarily in British and Commonwealth English.
From 'fairy' (from Old French 'faerie,' suggesting something delicate and magical) plus 'floss' (from Old Norse 'flaumr' meaning nap or loose fibers), literally 'fairy-like floss' due to its light, airy, magical appearance.
The term 'fairyfloss' is a perfect example of British English whimsy—Americans call it 'cotton candy' (practical, literal) while Commonwealth speakers call it 'fairyfloss' (magical, poetic), and the word choice reveals different cultural attitudes toward whimsy.
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