What does daff mean?
Daff is a verb that means to strike or hit something with a sudden, sharp blow. It is often used in informal contexts, such as in sports or in playful interactions. In British English, it is more common than in American English, where it may be considered a regionalism. The word is derived from the Old English word 'dæfan', which means 'to strike' or 'to hit'. Daff is often used in phrases such as 'to daff someone with a quick jab' or 'to daff a nail into place'. It is a useful word to know for those who enjoy sports or who want to add a touch of British flair to their language.
verbTo strike or hit something with a sudden, sharp blow.
- To strike or hit something with a sudden, sharp blow.
"The boxer daffed his opponent with a quick jab."
"The boxer daffed his opponent with a quick jab."
"The hammer daffed the nail into place."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of daff
The word daff is derived from the Old English word 'dæfan', which means 'to strike' or 'to hit'. This word is thought to be related to the Proto-Germanic word '*dabiz', which is also the source of the Modern German word 'dabben', meaning 'to strike' or 'to hit'.
Usage notes
In British English, daff is often used in informal contexts, such as in sports or in playful interactions. In American English, it is less common and may be considered a regionalism.