Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

jiffy

[jif-ee]
See more synonyms for jiffy on Thesaurus.com
noun, plural jif·fies. Informal.
  1. a very short time; moment: to get dressed in a jiffy.
Show More
Also jiff [jif] /dʒɪf/.

Origin of jiffy

First recorded in 1770–80; origin uncertain

Synonyms

See more synonyms for jiffy on Thesaurus.com
instant, flash, second, trice.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for jiff

Historical Examples

  • You go an' wash your 'ands, an' I'll 'ave your dinner up in 'alf a jiff!

    The Foolish Lovers

    St. John G. Ervine

  • "Begorra, but ye are right, Jiff," was the hearty response of the Irishman.

    Klondike Nuggets

    E. S. Ellis

  • Mrs. Jiff always “forgot to bring” her own comb and hair brush.

    Ruth Hall

    Fanny Fern

  • I'll be back in a jiff, and supper'll be ready's soon I can git it.

  • “Some of the hands would like to see you for half a jiff, Mr. Wade,” said he.

British Dictionary definitions for jiff

jiffy

jiff (dʒɪf)

noun plural jiffies or jiffs
  1. informal a very short timewait a jiffy
Show More

Word Origin

C18: of unknown 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 jiff

n.

1797, short for jiffy.

Show More

jiffy

n.

1785, "a moment, an instant," colloquial, origin unknown; said to be originally thieves' slang for "lightning."

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Idioms and Phrases with jiff

jiffy

see under in a flash.

Show More
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.