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Spiffing Meaning - Streetionary

Spiffing (adjective / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: Spiffy, Absolutely spiffing, Spiffing job)

Definition:

Spiffing is an old-fashioned British word meaning excellent, splendid or first-rate. It is the sort of word you would expect from a posh character in a vintage comedy.

Where Spiffing Comes From:

Spiffing appeared in British English in the 19th century, from “spiff”, a word for smart or well-dressed. It was very popular in the early 1900s in upper-class and public-school speech, and later became a stock phrase in comedies and period dramas.

How People Actually Use Spiffing:

Today it is used mostly in jest, to sound deliberately posh or old-fashioned: “Spiffing idea, old boy.” It also appears on social media as an ironic, tongue-in-cheek way to praise something. Hardly anyone uses it with a completely straight face any more.

Is Spiffing Rude?

No. It is harmless and cheerful. It can sound a little mocking if you use it to imitate an upper-class accent, but it is not offensive.

Examples in the Wild:

“What a spiffing idea!”
Meaning: That is an excellent idea.
“Cracking weather and a spiffing picnic.”
Meaning: The weather is great and the picnic is wonderful.
“You’ve done a spiffing job on the garden.”
Meaning: You have done a really good job on the garden.