guff

American  

[guhff] / gʌff /

noun

Informal.

1. empty or foolish talk; nonsense.

2. insolent talk.

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guff British  

/ ɡʌf /

noun

1. slang ridiculous or insolent talk

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Etymology

Origin of guff

First recorded in 1815–25; perhaps imitative

Explanation

Guff is foolishness — it's when you behave or speak in an meaningless or objectionable way. You might dismiss a controversial article by calling it a bunch of guff. Sometimes guff is defined as "lies," but it can also be simply ridiculous ideas or speech. Your teacher might dismiss your excuse for being late to class by saying, "That story's just a bunch of guff!" The informal guff gets its sense of "empty talk" from its original meaning, "puff of air." An unrelated but interesting kind of guff is the Scottish meaning, "an unpleasant smell."

Example Sentences

Guff of this sort has its entertainment value, as do passages that barely conceal the memoirist’s disdain for Ms. Harris.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

But Dexter Guff is not a real guy.

From Slate • Oct. 18, 2017

While filming and interviewing the Suskind family, Mr. Williams enlisted the French animation and visual effects company Mac Guff to bring Owen’s art to life.

From New York Times • Jun. 24, 2016

Guff threw for 3,973 yards and 35 touchdowns with seven interceptions last season.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2015

"Are you going to take Guff too, colonel?"

From Two Knapsacks A Novel of Canadian Summer Life by Campbell, John