tiff

[tif]

noun

1. a slight or petty quarrel.

   Synonyms: difference, misunderstanding, scrap, spat

2. a slight fit of annoyance, bad mood, or the like.

verb (used without object)

1. to have a petty quarrel.

2. to be in a tiff.

tiff

¹

/ tɪf /

noun

1. a petty quarrel

2. a fit of ill humour

verb

1. (intr) to have or be in a tiff

tiff

²

/ tɪf /

noun

1. archaic,  a small draught of alcoholic drink; dram

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiff¹

First recorded in 1720–30; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiff¹

C18: of unknown origin

Origin of tiff²

C18: see _tiffin

Example Sentences

Levin objected, and their tiff is growing increasingly heated as they bicker online.

Read more on Salon

She said their tiff boils down to a difference of opinion on the release of the Epstein files.

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The Australian government has denied the timing of the decision was related to the trade tiff, saying a decade-long department review found the US had improved beef safety measures.

Read more on BBC

Time will tell if all this is just a tiff — or a trial separation.

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Murray told police he regarded the fight as a "tiff", the court was told.

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Related Words

• altercation 
• bickering 
• falling-out 
• quarrel 
• run-in 
• spat 
• squabble 
• tantrum 
• wrangle