How to pronounce spiff
Say it like SPIF. Spiff is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce spiff. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPIF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spiff pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPIFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of spiff
American and British speakers say spiff in essentially the same way: /spɪf/ in the US and /spɪf/ in the UK.
British respelling: SPIF.
What does spiff mean?
- Attractiveness or charm in dress, appearance, or manner.“Without a diploma, he relies on spiff alone to climb the corporate ladder.”
- A bonus or other remuneration, given for reaching a sales goal or promoting the goods of a particular manufacturer. Originally from textile retailing, a percentage given for selling off surplus or out-of-fashion stock, of which the sales person could offer part as a discount to a customer.
- Alternative form of spliff (“hand-rolled marijuana cigarette”).
- (usually with up or out) To make spiffy (attractive, polished, or up-to-date)
- To reward (a salesperson) with a spiff or bonus.
- To attach a spiff or bonus to the selling of (a product)
Where does spiff come from?
Unknown. See etymology discussion at spiffy.
Words that rhyme with spiff
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of spiff.
Questions about saying spiff
How do you pronounce spiff?
Say SPIF. The American pronunciation is /spɪf/. In British English it is /spɪf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spiff?
Spiff is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SPIF.
Do Americans and Brits say spiff the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /spɪf/ and the British form is /spɪf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.