toff

[ tof ]

/ tɒf /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: toff / toffs on Thesaurus.com

noun British Informal.

a stylishly dressed, fashionable person, especially one who is or wants to be considered a member of the upper class.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of toff

First recorded in 1850–55; perhaps variant of tuft

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use toff in a sentence

In other word, he is a toff among toffs—proving, perhaps, that while Cameron may one day go, the toffs might be here to stay.
David Cameron’s Toff Problem|Mike Giglio|May 3, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Confusingly, hard-core toffs think that the Windsors are a bit common.
Prince Harry’s TV Kidnap Debacle|Tom Sykes|October 22, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Half a score of ambitious politicians, gouty old financiers, bald-headed old toffs, with their waxed moustaches and false teeth.
All Roads Lead to Calvary|Jerome K. Jerome
Often heard toffs decorated their tables with rags in hobble rings, but never believed it before.
We of the Never-Never|Jeanie "Mrs. Aeneas" Gunn

By a curious coincidence the great news seemed to have reached all, toffs and crooks alike, at exactly the same time.
Fantmas|Pierre Souvestre
So now we're bloomin' toffs, an' I'll get a pair of reach-me-downs this very bloomin' night.
Harding's luck|E. [Edith] Nesbit
“Young toffs,” she decided, and wondered if it were worth while getting up or not.
Christopher Hibbault, Roadmaker|Marguerite Bryant

British Dictionary definitions for toff

toff

/ (tɒf) /

noun

British slang a rich, well-dressed, or upper-class person, esp a man

Word Origin for toff

C19: perhaps variant of tuft, nickname for a titled student at Oxford University, wearing a cap with a gold tassel

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

toff

Origin of toff

Words related to toff

How to use toff in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for toff

Word Origin for toff