nifty

[nif-tee]

adjective

niftier, niftiest 

1. attractively stylish or smart.

   a nifty new dress for Easter.

2. very good; fine; excellent.

   a nifty idea.

3. substantial; sizable.

   We sold the car for a nifty profit.

noun

plural

nifties 

1. something nifty, as a clever remark or joke.

nifty

/ ˈnɪftɪ /

adjective

1. pleasing, apt, or stylish

2. quick, agile

   he's nifty on his feet

Other Word Forms

• niftily adverb
• niftiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nifty¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of nifty¹

C19: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

His bullying Isaiah sprints from pep talks to threats in the same breath and runs around in nifty outfits covered in weighted beads.

From Los Angeles Times

That return to form was summed up by a searing break in the second half, where the England wing almost ran half the pitch to score after some nifty footwork.

From BBC

Duckett liberally sprinkled runs to all angles, with his innings full of nifty reverse sweeps, deft cuts and clever scoops.

From BBC

Her niftiest fight sequence looks like abstract art: a stark black-and-white aerial pan of her shadow battling minions down a hallway.

From Los Angeles Times

The 24-year-old Brit pulls off a pretty nifty trick on her superb debut, “The Long Way Round.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dandy 
• excellent 
• neat 
• stylish 
• terrific