tiff

American  

[tif] / tɪf /

noun

1. a slight or petty quarrel.

   Synonyms:

   difference, misunderstanding, scrap, spat

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

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verb (used without object)

1. to have a petty quarrel.

2. to be in a tiff.

tiff ¹ British  

/ tɪf /

noun

1. a petty quarrel

2. a fit of ill humour

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verb

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

tiff ² British  

/ tɪf /

noun

1. archaic a small draught of alcoholic drink; dram

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Etymology

Origin of tiff

First recorded in 1720–30; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

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

From Salon

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.

From BBC

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

Related Words

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