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

If looks and growls don’t resolve the budding tiff, claws will pop out and fur will fly.

From Science Magazine

She said this attitude can elevate minor tiffs on social media into real life fights on campus.

From Washington Times

The CliffsNotes backstory is that an American shot a pig, the British summoned their Navy and a tiff between the dual occupiers ensued.

From Seattle Times

His move to ban the importation of GMO corn — modified in the lab to resist pests and herbicides — prompted a trade tiff with the United States and Canada.

From Seattle Times

Officer Taylor also prevented a fight at the school’s entrance between the parents of two girls who had gotten into a tiff inside.

From Washington Post

Related Words

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