miff

UK: mɪf | US: mɪf

Definition

  1. n. a slight feeling of annoyance or offense

  2. vt. to offend or annoy slightly

Structure

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Etymology

The word "miff" first appeared in the early 17th century, possibly imitative of a sound or gesture expressing petty irritation. Its exact origin remains unclear, but it may have emerged as slang to describe minor, fleeting annoyance. The word’s brevity and abrupt ending phonetically mirror the trivial, dismissive nature of the emotion it describes.

Examples

  1. She took a miff at his careless remark.

  2. Don’t miff your colleagues with unnecessary criticism.

  3. His constant interruptions left her in a miff.

  4. It’s just a small miff—no need to dwell on it.

  5. He miffed the entire team by arriving late.