What does tiff mean?
A tiff is a minor, usually brief disagreement or quarrel between two people, often friends, family members, or colleagues. As a noun, it names the dispute itself: “They had a tiff over the bill.” As an intransitive verb, it describes the people quarrelling: “They tiffed but soon made peace.” The word is informal and commonly suggests something small, easily resolved, or not worth prolonged attention, although it can also be used lightly to avoid emphasizing the seriousness of an argument. Tiff is often used with expressions such as “have a tiff” and “a tiff with.” Its short, punchy sound suits its role as a compact label for a passing disagreement, while its exact historical origin remains uncertain.
A brief, petty quarrel or disagreement, especially between people who know each other.
"The argument developed into a tiff that was forgotten by evening."
Informal; often implies that the disagreement is small or temporary.
To engage in or have a brief, petty quarrel.
"The couple tiffed over which restaurant to visit."
Normally used intransitively and in informal contexts.
The standard plural of the countable noun.
"Years of friendship survived a series of minor tiffs."
A tiff sounds small because it names a quarrel intended to be minor.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tiff come from?
The ultimate origin of the word is uncertain, and no secure derivation is established. In English, tiff has been used both as a noun meaning a petty quarrel and as a verb meaning to quarrel or spar. Modern usage continues the established senses of a minor disagreement and the act of having one.
Related word forms
How tiff is actually used
The word is informal and often conveys that the disagreement is trivial or short-lived. It may also be used humorously to downplay a conflict, so it does not always indicate how serious the participants consider the dispute to be. The verb is normally intransitive.
Easily confused with tiff
In computing, a TIFF is a widely used format for storing images and related metadata.