biff1
[bif]Slang.
- a blow; punch.
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- to hit; punch.
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Origin of biff1
An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; perhaps imitative
biff2
[bif]
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for biff
Contemporary Examples
So soon-to-be-Spiderman Andrew Garfield should get the prize for his powerful performance as Biff in Death of a Salesman.
The play also stars Andrew Garfield (The Social Network, Spiderman) as his son Biff.
2012 Tony Nominations Revealed: ‘Once,’ “Salesman,’ ‘Wit,’ ‘Starcatcher,’ and MoreBrittany Jones-Cooper
May 1, 2012
[Laughs] I had auditioned for Biff, and everyone they liked as a runner-up became [his goon squad].
Historical Examples
After that biff on the coco I only wanted some place to crawl into.
The Pagan MadonnaHarold MacGrath
But honestly, Biff, did you ever see me go into a game where I was a loser in the end?
The Making of Bobby BurnitGeorge Randolph Chester
But Biff, when the problem was propounded to him, only laughed.
The Making of Bobby BurnitGeorge Randolph Chester
A second later Biff had grappled him, and together they went to the floor.
The Making of Bobby BurnitGeorge Randolph Chester
Biff Bates laughed as he clambered into the tonneau with Bobby.
The Making of Bobby BurnitGeorge Randolph Chester
biff
- a blow with the fist
- Irish school slang a blow to the palm of the hand with a strap or cane as a punishment
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- (tr) to give (someone) such a blow
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Word Origin
C20: probably of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for biff
v.
"to hit," 1877, imitative (as a sound effect, from 1847). Related: Biffed; biffing. As a noun, attested from 1881.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper