Naff

Naff (adjective / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: Dead naff, Well naff, Naff all, Naff off)

Definition:

Naff means tacky, tasteless, cheap-looking or just plain uncool. If something is naff, it is trying too hard or has simply gone out of style. In its stronger form, “naff all” means nothing at all, and “naff off” is a mild way of telling someone to go away.

Where Naff Comes From:

Nobody is completely sure where naff came from. It appeared in British slang in the 1960s, and some linguists link it to Polari, the secret slang once used in London theatre and gay communities. Others suggest it may be much older back-slang. Whatever its source, it was in everyday British speech by the 1970s and has stayed there ever since.

How People Actually Use Naff:

Naff is a gentle way of poking fun at bad taste. It is the word for the novelty tie, the cheesy chat-up line, the tacky Christmas decoration or the film with a cringe-worthy ending. It is rarely cruel, and plenty of people use it affectionately for things they secretly love. Americans might say “cheesy” or “tacky”, but naff has a very British, eye-rolling charm that those words do not quite capture.

Is Naff Rude?

No. Naff is mild and usually playful. “Naff off” is the only form with a bite, and even that is a softer cousin of stronger swear words, so it is fine for most conversations among friends.

Examples in the Wild:

• “That hotel was a bit naff, all fake gold and flashing lights.”

  Meaning: It was tacky and over the top.

• “Matching Christmas jumpers? So naff, but I am in.”

  Meaning: It is cheesy, and that is exactly why it is fun.

• “I have got naff all in the fridge.”

  Meaning: I have almost nothing to eat.

Similar Slang:

Cringe, Mid, Dodgy, Tacky, Cheesy, Chintzy

🛍 Shop on eBay › (affiliate)