fluffy

Fluffy white clouds.

If a cloud is 'fluffy' it has the appearance of being very soft, like a pillow.  Notice the following:

1. All the pillows and blankets on the bed were so fluffy that he fell asleep immediately.
   
2. He gave his girlfriend a fluffy, stuffed bear for Valentine's Day.
   

grow up

You grew up in Southern California.

Where you 'grow up' is the place where you live for most of the time or for a long time when you are a child.  Notice the following:

1. We moved a lot when I was a child, so I grew up all over the country.
   
2. She was my neighbor when we were young.  We grew up together.
   

great

It was great. It was a lot of fun.

'Great' is a positive adjective similar to fantastic or wonderful.  Notice the following:

1. The party was great.  All of my old friends were there.
   
2. I had a great day today.
   

give up

The water is very cold so I gave up.

If you 'give up' trying to do something then you stop doing it because it is difficult and you don't think you will have success.  Notice the following:

1. I know that Chemistry class is difficult, but don't give up.
   
2. He tried to break the school record for three years, but finally he gave up.
   

couple

I gave up after a couple of tries.

To be exact a 'couple' of tries means two tries, but we use this word to mean any number from two to four.  Notice the following:

1. He has been waiting for me for a couple of hours now.
   
2. There are a couple of eggs in the refrigerator.