English Explanatory Dictionary

faff

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An overcomplicated task, especially one perceived as a waste of time.
  2. A state of confused or frantic activity.
  3. A puff of smoke; a gust of wind.
verb
  1. To blow in puffs, blow gently.
  2. To move (something) with a puff of air, to blow away.
  3. To waste time on an unproductive activity.

Pronunciation

/fæf/ En-au-faff.ogg

Word forms

faff faffs faffing faffed

Etymology

Originally imitative of wind or puffs of air (see verb senses "to blow in puffs", "to move with a puff of air"). The noun is formed from the verb by conversion.

Synonyms

annoyance bother faff grievance hassle inconvenience irritation nuisance palaver peeve plague trouble vexation flap arse around dick around

Derived words

faff about faffage faff around faffer faffery faff on
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