tiff

[ tif ]

noun

1. a slight or petty quarrel.

   Synonyms: difference, misunderstanding, scrap, spat

2. a slight fit of annoyance, bad mood, or the like.

verb (used without object)

1. to have a petty quarrel.
2. to be in a tiff.

tiff

¹

/ tɪf /

noun

1. a petty quarrel
2. a fit of ill humour

verb

1. intr to have or be in a tiff

tiff

²

/ tɪf /

noun

1. archaic.
   a small draught of alcoholic drink; dram

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiff¹

First recorded in 1720–30; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiff¹

C18: of unknown origin

Origin of tiff²

C18: see tiffin

Example Sentences

Actors stepping behind the camera was a major theme of this year’s TIFF.

From Los Angeles Times

And we barely made the deadline to get into TIFF, and then it was like, ‘Oh, there’s money exchanging hands,’ and I asked myself the question, ‘Do you feel gross about this?’” she continued.

From Los Angeles Times

Times studio to explain why Jacques Audiard was the man for the job, plus more highlights from TIFF.

From Los Angeles Times

Actors stepping behind the camera was a major theme of this year’s TIFF.

From Los Angeles Times

They ended up getting confirmation that the film was in its first film festival, TIFF.

From Salon

Related Words

• altercation
• bickering
• falling-out
• quarrel
• run-in
• spat
• squabble
• tantrum
• wrangle