How to pronounce spiv
Say it like SPIV. Spiv 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 spiv. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPIV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Spiv pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPIVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of spiv
American and British speakers say spiv in essentially the same way: /spɪv/ in the US and /spɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: SPIV.
What does spiv mean?
- A flashy con artist, often homeless, who lives by his wits.
- A low and common thief.
- A slacker; one who shirks responsibility.
Where does spiv come from?
Unknown. Perhaps from spiff, spiffy.
Words that rhyme with spiv
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of spiv.
Questions about saying spiv
How do you pronounce spiv?
Say SPIV. The American pronunciation is /spɪv/. In British English it is /spɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in spiv?
Spiv is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SPIV.
Do Americans and Brits say spiv the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /spɪv/ and the British form is /spɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.