spiffy en · ADJ
Pronunciation
Etymology
Unknown. Attested in print from 1852 (see quotations below). Compare the noun spiff, attested from 1859, as well as spiffing (1872) and spiffed (1881), suggesting participle forms of a related verb. Compare also spiv (“a smartly-dressed criminal”), attested from the 20th century.
Meanings
-
(informal) Dapper; fine or neat, especially in style of clothing or other appearance.
He was “great” (as he expressed it) with the Bloomer who kept the bar where their club was held, and whom he styled “a spiffy girl,” and who had been graciously pleased to accept of a pair of very Brummagem-looking earrings, set with paste diamonds, with which he had presented her.
1852, “How Jeremiah Tubbs became engaged in the Irish elections of 1852”, in New Monthly Magazine and Humorist, page 66:Plead the fifth, sip wine stiffly / Patiently come up and be spiffy in a jiffy
2004, MF DOOM, “Vomitspit”, in MM..FOOD:The charming twins came last week, and you should see their clothes. ‘Spiffy’ is the word.
1906 August 26, “Newport News in London”, in The New York Times, page 9:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| spiffiest | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| spiffier | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic |
Deriveds
Relateds
Synonyms
Translations (8)
ru щеголеватый (dapper, fine or neat) · es pulcro (dapper, fine or neat) · ru моднявый (dapper, fine or neat) · ru нарядный (dapper, fine or neat) · ja お洒落 (dapper, fine or neat) · es apuesto (dapper, fine or neat) · tr şık (dapper, fine or neat) · de schick (dapper, fine or neat)