GIF

American  

[jif, gif] / dʒɪf, gɪf /

Or gif

noun

1. a set of standards and file format for storage of digital color images and short animations.

2. a file or image stored in this format.

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verb (used with object)

GIFFed, giffed, GIFFing, giffing

1. to create a static or animated GIF from (an image or set of images).

   She GIFFed her favorite actor having a good laugh and posted it on her blog.

GIF British  

/ ɡɪf /

noun

1. 1. a standard compressed file format used for pictures

   2. a picture held in this format

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Pronunciation

It is understandable that computer users who encounter this acronym for the first time might well assume that since the “G” stands for “graphic,” gif should similarly be pronounced with an initial hard g, as in go and give. However, the inventor of the format, Steve Wilhite, has insisted from its introduction at a computer conference in the late 1980s that the pronunciation is , with an initial soft g, as in gelatin and giant. That pronunciation is even part of the official specifications for the format and is the one used by many computer gurus, but both pronunciations are commonly in use.

Etymology

Origin of GIF

First recorded in 1985–90; g(raphic) i(nterchange) f(ormat)

Example Sentences

Forget the Fed — tracking GIFs on Stocktwits might be the ultimate contrarian indicator.

From MarketWatch

We tried to write it like the real world and we had a great writing staff with some great young writers that kept me honest, told me that GIFs were out.

From Los Angeles Times

There I am, in a series of GIFs.

From BBC

In a moment crafted to provide us with endless GIFs, the friends are chased by kids armed with super soaker guns who hose the women in water, but you can’t wash away entitlement.

From Los Angeles Times

The internet has wholly embraced “Family Guy” and its jokes are perpetuated through memes, GIFs and TikTok videos.

From Los Angeles Times