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

And local officers still take some guff during tense encounters between ICE officers and protesters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Graeme: Different manager, different team, same guff from Rangers.

From BBC • Aug. 2, 2025

At the beginning of the film, she is obedient and obliging and corseted; by the end, she is in a much smaller skirt and taking no guff.

From New York Times • Mar. 7, 2024

And if you do try to return it, and they give you some guff, they give you some attitude, then you wield that Yelp sword.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2023

“All you have to do is keep your nose clean, do your thing on the court, you’ll be golden. If any of the guys give you guff, come to me first, okay?”

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan