How to pronounce duff
Say it like DUHF. Duff is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- DUHF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Duff pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DUHFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of duff
American and British speakers say duff in essentially the same way: /dʌf/ in the US and /dʌf/ in the UK.
British respelling: DUHF.
What does duff mean?
- A stiff flour pudding, often with dried fruit, boiled in a cloth bag, or steamed.
- A pudding-style dessert, especially one made with plums or (in the Bahamas) guavas.
- Decaying vegetable matter on the forest floor.
- Coal dust, especially that left after screening or combined with other small, unsaleable bits of coal.
- Fine and dry coal in small pieces, usually anthracite.
- Worthless; not working properly, defective.“Why do I always get a shopping trolley with duff wheels?”
Where does duff come from?
Representing a northern England and Scots pronunciation of dough.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with duff
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of duff.
Questions about saying duff
How do you pronounce duff?
Say DUHF. The American pronunciation is /dʌf/. In British English it is /dʌf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in duff?
Duff is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: DUHF.
Do Americans and Brits say duff the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dʌf/ and the British form is /dʌf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.