Stuff is a very general word for things, objects, or materials when you don’t want to be specific or when the details don’t matter.
From Old French 'estoffe' meaning 'material, provisions', related to a verb meaning 'to equip or furnish'. It originally referred more to supplies and fabric before widening into a vague word for almost anything.
When we say 'stuff', we’re often hiding complexity—'I have a lot of stuff going on' can mean emotions, tasks, and worries all mixed together. It’s a lazy word in one sense, but it’s also a useful shortcut when the exact details aren’t the point.
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