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definitions

spiff

1
[ spif ]
/ spɪf /
|
SEE MORE 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.

RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

  1. spielberg, steven,
  2. spieler,
  3. spielmeyer-vogt disease,
  4. spier,
  5. spif,
  6. spiffing,
  7. spiffy,
  8. spiflicate,
  9. spigelian,
  10. spigelius' line

Origin of spiff

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

Definition for spiffing (2 of 3)

spiff

2
[ 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
Related formsspiff·i·ly, adverbspiff·i·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples 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 Formsspiffily, 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