iffen
Americanconjunction
Etymology
Origin of iffen
1930–35; if + -en, of uncertain origin, perhaps an 2 (hence a variant of archaic an if ) or in’ ( see -ing 2), extracted from conjunctional uses of considering, excepting, etc.; cf. gin 5
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Recall it to my mind iffen ever I forget, Philly.
From Time Magazine Archive
“In the Fen, iffen they give you something special, it be a kick in your buttie. “But that’s a pretty thing you got,” he added politely.
From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry
“Me and Branch can find our way out of anywheres. You be needing us for certain iffen you get lost.”
From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry
“Stew Cat b’go up d’palm on dlee side iffen it b’gettin too terrible. Don* worry ’bout Stew Cat” Yet I could not help worrying.
From "The Cay" by Theodore Taylor
“Some things I took before the burning, for you to have iffen they let you stay.”
From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
