faff Meaning & Definition
What Does Faff Mean?
Faff is used as a noun meaning An overcomplicated task, especially one perceived as a waste of time. It is also used to mean A state of confused or frantic activity. As a verb, it means To blow in puffs, blow gently.
Faff in Brief
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //fæf// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | flap |
| Plural | faffs |
| Verb forms | faffs, faffing, faffed |
Faff Definition (Noun)
- An overcomplicated task, especially one perceived as a waste of time.
Adjusting this television is a bit of a faff.
- A state of confused or frantic activity.
She's in a total faff about tonight's dinner party.
- A puff of smoke; a gust of wind.
Faff as a Verb
- To blow in puffs, blow gently.
- To move (something) with a puff of air, to blow away.
- To waste time on an unproductive activity.
Noun
- (typically in the phrase 'in a faff') A state of confused or frantic activity.
She's in a total faff about tonight's dinner party.
Synonyms of Faff
Faff synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Faff
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Faff in a Sentence
Adjusting this television is a bit of a faff.
She's in a total faff about tonight's dinner party.
I decided to stop faffing about and get some work done.
Word Forms & Grammar
faff (plural faffs)
faff (third-person singular simple present faffs, present participle faffing, simple past and past participle faffed)
Origin of Faff
Originally imitative of wind or puffs of air (see verb senses "to blow in puffs", "to move with a puff of air").[1] The noun is formed from the verb by conversion.[2]
Faff Pronunciation
You say faff as //fæf//. It has 1 syllable.
Faff: Your Questions Answered
Is faff a noun or a verb?
Faff is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for faff?
Words with a similar meaning to faff include flap. See the full list of faff synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of faff?
The plural of faff is faffs.
What is the past tense of faff?
The past tense of faff is faffed. The present participle is faffing.