GIF

or gif

[ jifor, sometimes, 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.

verb (used with object)

, GIFFed or giffed, GIFF·ing or gif·fing.

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

/ ɡɪf /

noun

1. 1. a standard compressed file format used for pictures
   2. a picture held in this format

Pronunciation Note

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 [jif], 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of GIF¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of GIF¹

C20: from g ( raphic ) i ( nterchange ) f ( ormat )

Example Sentences

“What The Little Mermaid Taught Us About Being Grown-Ups,” Vanity Fair commemorated in a GIF-laden post.

From The Daily Beast

GIF tributes on Buzzfeed and the like, you begin embracing that TV character you spent so long trying to shake.

From The Daily Beast

GIF-able when he goes jogging in sweatpants, if you know what I mean.

From The Daily Beast

But underneath the perfect body, inimitable voice, and made-for-GIF dance moves, Beyoncé is just like anyone else.

From The Daily Beast

The GFY (pronounced “jiffy”) is essentially a more technologically advanced version of the ubiquitous GIF.

From The Daily Beast

It is good, Miss Lu, to have a kind papa, rich enough to gif you all things needful for a young lady to wear.

From Project Gutenberg

"Gif heem all you got," Anderson, a big Scandinavian and particularly fond of Rouse, yelled.

From Project Gutenberg

It gif me a cholt, Matt, ven you saidt dose t'ings vas bearls, und I recollectioned vat vas saidt in der note about bearls.

From Project Gutenberg

Gif dem blenty pomb und der sicnal vatch for, und ven it vas gif shoot und kill und spare nopoddy!

From Project Gutenberg

I say, 'Nein, vait, gif der wretched beoples some chance to be safe.

From Project Gutenberg