tiff

Definition

A (generally small) argument or disagreement; a petty quarrel, a spat.

Etymology

The origin of the noun is unknown; it is possibly originally dialectal and may be onomatopoeic, representing the sound of a small puff of air or gas. The verb is derived from the noun.

Example Sentences

• "My Lord and I have had another little—Tiff, ſhall I call it? It came not up to a quarrel. Married people vvould have enough to do, if they vvere to trouble their friends every time they miſunderſtood one another."
• "There's Tom, now, since this tiff with Mrs. Cat, the scoundrel plays the Grand Turk here!"
• "[T]he blithe young couple were a pleasant sight to see, as they twirled merrily round and round, feeling more friendly than ever after their small tiff."