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I always thought that "soft spot" is used for living things..

E.g.

  1. soft spot for someone

  2. soft spot for my pet dog

  3. soft spot for the fishes in the pond

But I was wondering can it be used for non-living things as well.. for example:

  1. He had a soft spot for numbers. <- does it make sense ?

  2. He had a soft spot for counting. <- what about this

  3. He had a soft spot for counting activities. <- better or worse?

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Soft spot actually has two common meanings, and both of them can refer to inanimate objects.

The first meaning is the one to which you refer - essentially, a sentimental weakness for something. This is often used with living creatures simply because a kitten/baby/whatever more often pulls on our heartstrings than, say, a rock does. But you could, for instance, be a hardcore metal fan who has a soft spot for country music.

The other meaning of soft spot is an actual weakness (of the unemotional variety). This is more often than not used for inanimate objects - a soft spot in the economic recovery plan, a soft spot in the offensive line, etc.

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  • So a soft spot for numbers means he sucks at maths?
    – Pacerier
    Commented Oct 15, 2011 at 13:09
  • @Pacerier no, I don't think I'd ever say anyone has a "soft spot for math". The second meaning refers usually to a weakness in a plan or system (a point where it is likely to break/fail). However, the meaning of "sentimental weakness for something" is more often used, and in this sense, one would not generally use it with inanimate objects--it implies a rather strong emotion. If you do, it's probably hyperbole: "I have a soft spot for ice cream."
    – narx
    Commented Oct 15, 2011 at 15:36

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