What does quiffed mean?
Quiffed means that hair has been brushed or swept upward and back from the forehead, usually into the prominent style known as a quiff. As a verb, it describes the process of arranging the hair in this way: a barber quiffs a client's hair, or someone quiffs their own hair before an event. It can also function as an adjective, as in “quiffed hair” or “a quiffed hairstyle,” indicating that the hair has been given that distinctive raised shape. The term is chiefly British and informal, and it carries a mild stylistic or fashionable implication rather than sounding especially formal. It is useful when describing a deliberate, eye-catching grooming choice, particularly one associated with vintage or retro-inspired appearance. The related noun “quiff” names the hairstyle itself, while the related verb “quiff” means to create it.
To brush or sweep the hair upward and back from the forehead into a quiff.
"She quiffed her hair with a comb and a touch of wax."
Chiefly British and informal.
Styled into a quiff, or having hair arranged in a raised, swept-back style.
"His quiffed hair was still perfectly in place."
Chiefly British and informal; often used attributively, especially in the phrase “quiffed hair.”
A quiff turns a carefully brushed head of hair into a bold statement of height and attitude.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quiffed come from?
The word “quiff” is chiefly British and is generally treated as having an uncertain origin; no widely accepted etymology connects it securely with a particular language or older word. The present form “quiffed” was formed by adding the usual English past-tense and participial ending to that verb. Its established sense as a hairstyle and as a term for raising and sweeping back the hair long precedes its use in the newer form.
How quiffed is actually used
Chiefly British and informal. The adjective use is especially associated with descriptions of a hairstyle, such as “quiffed hair,” rather than being used on its own very often.
Easily confused with quiffed
A quiff is the raised, swept-back hairstyle itself, whereas quiffed describes the act of styling hair that way or the resulting appearance.