What does miff mean?
Miff is an informal word for being annoyed or irritated, and it can also be used as a verb meaning “to annoy” or “to irritate.” The expression is especially common in North American English but is understood elsewhere as well. People may be miffed with someone for arriving late, or miffed at a decision they consider unfair. As an adjective, “miff” conveys a degree of displeasure that is noticeable but need not be serious. As a noun, it can refer to a brief fit of irritation or sulkiness. The word is more conversational and emotionally colorful than neutral alternatives such as “annoyed,” while suggesting less indignation than words such as “furious.” Its brevity also makes it useful in informal writing and speech, although formal contexts generally favor “annoyed,” “irritated,” or “displeased.”
To annoy, irritate, or displease someone.
"His abrupt reply miffed the rest of the team."
Informal; commonly used in the passive construction with “miffed” or “miffed at.”
Annoyed, irritated, or mildly resentful.
"She was miffed with him for forgetting her message."
Informal and especially common in North American English.
A fit of irritation or sulky displeasure.
"He was in a miff after being left out of the conversation."
Less common than the verb and adjectival uses; chiefly informal.
A small irritation can be merely a nuisance, but to be miffed is to be unmistakably annoyed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does miff come from?
The word “miff” is first attested in the 19th century, but its ultimate origin is uncertain. It developed in informal usage as both a verb meaning “to annoy” and a word for a person feeling annoyed. No well-established cognates in other languages can be confidently identified.
Related word forms
How miff is actually used
Informal and expressive rather than formal. In its adjectival and noun uses, it often conveys mild to moderate irritation, sometimes with a suggestion of sulkiness.