spiffy
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- spiffily adverb
- spiffiness noun
Etymology
Origin of spiffy
1855–60; dial. spiff well-dressed (origin uncertain) + -y 1
Explanation
Something or someone spiffy is fancy or dressed up, like the spiffy red velvet tuxedo you're wearing to your cousin's wedding. If you're looking for an informal way to compliment someone's outfit, spiffy is the word you need. Your brother may look particularly spiffy on his first day of school, in his brand new sweater and expensive jeans. You could also say he looks dapper, dashing, or snazzy. The adjective spiffy is an American invention, along with the now-obsolete spiff, "well-dressed man."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
What’s the trick to turning out dozens of spritz cookies that look every bit as spiffy as the ones in those ubiquitous blue tins?
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025
This makeshift bathroom sufficed until I presented them with their spiffy new bathroom.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 8, 2024
It’s really a quite spiffy and spectacular look.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2023
Everyone can use a spiffy new portable drink container.
From Washington Times • May 9, 2023
To me he looked spiffy, and I just wanted so bad to tell him.
From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
