cream puff

The literal meaning refers to a light, airy pastry. Because of the dessert's soft texture and lack of structural firmness, the term is used as a derogatory metaphor for people. When applied to a person, it suggests a lack of mental or emotional toughness, implying they are easily crushed or intimidated.

In a social context, calling someone a cream puff is an insult that targets their courage or resilience. It is an informal expression and is typically used in competitive environments, such as sports or business, to mock someone's perceived fragility.