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

Gif: Google While Google’s very late to the party on this one, at least its implementation isn’t half-assed.

From The Verge • May 26, 2022

Gif: Joby There are other tools that you can use to get these kinds of moves, even outside of the pro stuff used by video production studios and Hollywood.

From The Verge • Feb. 1, 2022

She also tweeted a Gif from the 2004 movie “Mean Girls” showing the Regina George character, played by Rachel McAdams, saying, “Why are you obsessed with me?”

From Washington Times • Jan. 2, 2022

In May 2020, when it announced its acquisition of Giphy, it said 50% of the Gif search engine's traffic already came from Facebook platforms - half of that from Instagram.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2021

“Gif it to heem, by Gar! Gif it to heem, the dirty t’eef!”

From "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London