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Spiffy

May 9, 2022

Spiffy / adjective / ˈspi-fē

“Spiffy” is an adjective we use in the English language to describe a person’s clothing and outer appearance. Someone said to be looking “spiffy” is well-dressed and sharp looking in their appearance. While the word doesn’t always apply to high fashion, when we think of the word “spiffy,” we think of elegant, well-dressed partygoers or business persons who have put on their most stunning outfits.

In a Sentence

The new army recruits were looking very “spiffy” in their uniforms.

The groom was looking spiffy in his tuxedo as he awaited the arrival of his bride.

That is quite a spiffy-looking vehicle you’re driving!

Etymology

Spiffy first entered the English language as an adjective. Etymologists say that “spiffy” was used to describe snappy dressers in the mid-18th century. We first see the word recorded toward the latter end of the 18th century in 1877. Other words derived from “spiffy” include ‘spiffier’ and ‘spifiest.’ All iterations of the word carry the same meaning intending to describe well-dressed people and people wearing high fashion or trending items of their time. “Spiffy” hasn’t changed its definition since its first introduction into the language.

Synonym

Stylish, Chic

Antonym

Unfashionable, Old Fashioned

10 Comments

  1. Paul Moloney

    A “Spiffy” is also a square U spring loaded metal object worn under the knot of a tie used to hold the ends of the collar down.

    Reply
  2. James F. Thomas

    When I was in the US Navy as a NAVCAD (naval aviation cadet}, we wore a spiffy. It is a wire
    device worn under the necktie to stabilize the collar and raise the knot of the necktie a millimeter or three away from the front of the shirt. It looked spiffy, too!

    Reply
  3. Tony Jackson aka Easy money

    Old school OG
    G greatest
    O of
    A all
    T time

    Reply
  4. Tony Jackson

    Tony Jackson aka Easymoney

    Reply
  5. herbert

    very spiffy website??

    Reply
  6. herbert

    moderation is NOT a suitable adjective or description for a non-provocative comment.

    Reply
  7. Luz

    I like to read these words every day.

    Reply
  8. PATRICIA EUNIS

    I HAVE USED THAT WORD SINCE I HEARD IT USED BY MY MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER IN MY EARLY TEEN YEARS.
    I THINK IT WAS ABOUT 1954/55. I THINK IT IS A NEAT WORD TO USE OCCASIONALLY AND IT SEEMS TO THROW PEOPLE OFF WHEN I AM ACTUALLY REFERRING TO WHAT THE ARE WEARING FOR THE DAY.

    Reply
  9. Ressy

    Spiffy = a term we used as Teenagers to describe a Jazzy Dressed Fellow ! Mid 60’s

    Reply
  10. R T Nearyrtne

    Biden’s handlers have made him appear spiffy in dress and in his gait – to cover up his lack of substance.

    Reply

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