tiff

[tif]

noun

1. a slight or petty quarrel.

   Synonyms: difference, misunderstanding, scrap, spat

2. a slight fit of annoyance, bad mood, or the like.

verb (used without object)

1. to have a petty quarrel.

2. to be in a tiff.

tiff

¹

/ tɪf /

noun

1. a petty quarrel

2. a fit of ill humour

verb

1. (intr) to have or be in a tiff

tiff

²

/ tɪf /

noun

1. archaic,  a small draught of alcoholic drink; dram

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiff¹

First recorded in 1720–30; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiff¹

C18: of unknown origin

Origin of tiff²

C18: see _tiffin

Example Sentences

The Australian government has denied the timing of the decision was related to the trade tiff, saying a decade-long department review found the US had improved beef safety measures.

From BBC

Time will tell if all this is just a tiff — or a trial separation.

From Salon

Murray told police he regarded the fight as a "tiff", the court was told.

From BBC

The tiff with Trump has done severe damage to Musk's net worth, as the value of shares in Musk-owned companies has plummeted with each new volley of insults.

From Salon

Musk and Trump's tiff began last week, when the former Trump adviser told CBS News last week that he was "disappointed" with Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”

From Salon

Related Words

• altercation 
• bickering 
• falling-out 
• quarrel 
• run-in 
• spat 
• squabble 
• tantrum 
• wrangle