What does tiffing mean?
“Tiffing” is an informal word for quarrelling or sulking, usually because of a small and unimportant disagreement. As a noun, it refers to a petty quarrel or a brief fit of sulking; as a verb, it describes the behaviour of people who are quarrelling or nursing a grievance over something trivial. The word is especially associated with British English, although it is also understood in North America. It has a somewhat dismissive or gently teasing tone, suggesting that the dispute is exaggerated or does not deserve serious attention. For example, someone might describe two friends refusing to speak after a minor accident as “tiffing,” or say that they have stopped tiffing once they have made up. In formal contexts, more precise terms such as “quarrel,” “squabble,” or “sulk” are generally preferred. “Tiffing” is consequently useful for describing interpersonal friction in an informal, often humorous way.
A petty quarrel, squabble, or fit of sulking.
"The disagreement developed into a bit of tiffing that lasted all afternoon."
Usually uncountable and informal; it can imply that the dispute is trivial or disproportionate.
To quarrel or sulk, especially over a minor or trivial matter.
"They stopped tiffing and agreed to start the game again."
An informal verb used particularly in British English; it often carries a mildly disapproving or teasing tone.
Rare and uncommon; “tiffing” is normally used as an uncountable noun. The related countable noun “tiff” has the plural “tiffs.”
"Years later, they were still joking about their childhood tiffings."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tiffing come from?
The precise origin of “tiffing” is uncertain, and no securely established source word can be identified. It is recorded in British English by the early nineteenth century, developing in senses connected with a fit of bad temper, sulking, and petty quarrelling. Its development seems to have included both nominal and verbal uses, while any proposed connection with unrelated words outside English remains speculative.
Related word forms
How tiffing is actually used
Informal and mildly dismissive. It is especially associated with British English and is often used to characterize an argument or sulk as trivial or overblown.