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

Some might recognize her from a much-circulated GIF featuring Kelli, at her most knowing.

From Salon

“It makes you look more guilty,” read a gif that another user posted.

From Los Angeles Times

While Ponder has yet to publicly comment, Griffin acknowledged the move on X — first by posting a GIF from the movie “Friday” that features the quote, “How the hell you gonna get fired on your day off?”

From Los Angeles Times

This year, when Politico put him on a list of the thirstiest members of Congress — the “most shamelessly media-seeking members” — Garcia responded by posting a GIF of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Adore Delano sipping a drink and wrote, “I’m parched.”

From Los Angeles Times

He then added: "Me:" and shared a gif from the BBC comedy Still Game, featuring the character Navid dancing in his shop.

From BBC