spiff

1
[ spif ]
/ spɪf /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR spiff ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object) Informal.

to make spiffy (usually followed by up): Let's spiff up this office with new furniture.

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Origin of spiff

1
1875–80; perhaps v. use of dial. spiff well-dressed; see spiffy

Words nearby spiff

spielberg, steven, spieler, spielmeyer-vogt disease, spier, spif, spiff, spiffing, spiffy, spiflicate, spigelian, spigelius' line

Definition for spiffing (2 of 3)

spiff2
[ spif ]
/ spɪf /
Slang.

noun

a bonus or other form of remuneration given to retail salespeople for promoting the products of a particular manufacturer.

verb (used with object)

to reward (a salesperson) with a spiff.

Origin of spiff

2
First recorded in 1855–60; origin uncertain

Definition for spiffing (3 of 3)

spiffy
[ spif-ee ]
/ ˈspɪf i /

adjective, spiff·i·er, spiff·i·est. Informal.

spruce; smart; fine.
Also spif·fing [spif-ing] /ˈspɪf ɪŋ/; especially British, spivvy, spivving.

Origin of spiffy

1855–60; dial. spiff well-dressed (origin uncertain) + -y1

OTHER WORDS FROM spiffy

spiff·i·ly, adverbspiff·i·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to spiffing

rehabilitate, furnish, prepare, groom, slick, preen, spruce, titivate, smarten, spiff, primp, deck, provide, repair

Example sentences from the Web for spiffing

  • It was impossible for any one to deny that such a thing would be spiffing in the very highest possible degree.

    Priscilla's Spies|George A. Birmingham

  • I've got a pair of spiffing caps for you; do for church if you like.

    His Majesty Baby and Some Common People|Ian MacLaren

  • "Spiffing," agreed Iva, who was also inspecting the new acquisitions.

    A Fortunate Term|Angela Brazil

British Dictionary definitions for spiffing (1 of 2)

spiffing
/ (ˈspɪfɪŋ) /

adjective

British slang, old-fashioned excellent; splendid

Word Origin for spiffing

C19: probably from dialect spiff spruce, smartly dressed

British Dictionary definitions for spiffing (2 of 2)

spiffy
/ (ˈspɪfɪ) /

adjective -fier or -fiest

US and Canadian slang smart; stylish

Derived forms of spiffy

spiffily, adverbspiffiness, noun

Word Origin for spiffy

C19: from dialect spiff
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