GIF

or gif

[ jifor, sometimes, gif ]

noun

1. a set of standards and file format for storage of digital color images and short animations.
2. a file or image stored in this format.

verb (used with object)

, GIFFed or giffed, GIFF·ing or gif·fing.

1. to create a static or animated GIF from (an image or set of images):

   She GIFFed her favorite actor having a good laugh and posted it on her blog.

GIF

/ ɡɪf /

noun

1. 1. a standard compressed file format used for pictures
   2. a picture held in this format

Pronunciation Note

It is understandable that computer users who encounter this acronym for the first time might well assume that since the “G” stands for “graphic,” gif should similarly be pronounced with an initial hard g, as in go and give. However, the inventor of the format, Steve Wilhite, has insisted from its introduction at a computer conference in the late 1980s that the pronunciation is [jif], with an initial soft g, as in gelatin and giant. That pronunciation is even part of the official specifications for the format and is the one used by many computer gurus, but both pronunciations are commonly in use.

Word History and Origins

Origin of GIF¹

First recorded in 1985–90; g(raphic) i(nterchange) f(ormat)

Word History and Origins

Origin of GIF¹

C20: from g ( raphic ) i ( nterchange ) f ( ormat )

Example Sentences

The internet has wholly embraced “Family Guy” and its jokes are perpetuated through memes, GIFs and TikTok videos.

From Los Angeles Times

The broadcast mishap inspired jokes and GIF reactions shading CBS, and prompted some fans to share what other viewers missed.

From Los Angeles Times

He illustrated the tweet with a GIF from the 1976 movie “Marathon Man” showing Dustin Hoffman being tortured by a character played by Lawrence Olivier and plainly inspired by Nazi doctor Josef Mengele.

From Los Angeles Times

Or a GIF, a file that presents multiple frames of a sequence of images?

From Los Angeles Times

Berry exited a stadium full of bewildered expressions; tens of thousands of confusion GIFs in the making.

From BBC