What does squiffy mean?
Squiffy is an informal adjective meaning bad-tempered, irritable, or easily annoyed. It commonly describes people, particularly when someone responds to a minor irritation with obvious displeasure, impatience, or petulance. “He was squiffy about the delay” sounds more conversational and emotionally expressive than a neutral statement such as “He was annoyed about the delay.” The word can also characterize a mood or atmosphere, as in “a squiffy silence,” although describing a person is its most usual application. Squiffy is uncommon in formal writing and tends to convey mild disapproval as well as irritation. Its vivid, slightly old-fashioned tone makes it more noticeable than neutral alternatives such as irritated or annoyed, but less severe than words that imply anger, hostility, or prolonged bad temper.
adjectiveBad-tempered, irritable, or easily annoyed.
- Bad-tempered, irritable, or easily annoyed.
"He became squiffy when the train was delayed again."
"The office manager was squiffy after receiving the unwelcome news."
"Her squiffy response made the disagreement feel more serious than it really was."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squiffy come from?
The precise origin of squiffy is not securely established. It is an English adjective whose formation appears to be expressive, and its established sense has long been that of an irritable or bad-tempered person.
How squiffy is actually used
Informal and mildly disparaging. It is especially suitable for describing a person who is visibly or repeatedly annoyed and may suggest a somewhat petulant manner.