stiff
UK: stɪf | US: stɪf
adj. not easily bent or changed in shape; rigid
adj. lacking ease or grace; awkward
adj. severe or harsh in manner or treatment
n. (informal) a dead body
v. (slang) to fail to pay or tip someone
The word "stiff" originates from Old English stīf, meaning "rigid, unbending." It shares roots with Old Norse stífr and Dutch stijf, all conveying the idea of firmness or inflexibility. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe harshness (e.g., "stiff punishment") and even colloquial uses like "stiffing someone" (not paying). The core concept of rigidity remains central to its modern senses.
The cardboard was too stiff to fold easily.
She gave a stiff nod, showing no emotion.
The judge imposed a stiff penalty for the crime.
(Informal) The mob left a stiff in the alley.
(Slang) He stiffed the waiter on the tip.