faff

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Also seen as: pfaff

Meaning · English

An overcomplicated task, especially one perceived as a waste of time.

Register: slang

Examples

Adjusting this television is a bit of a faff.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “faff” mean?

An overcomplicated task, especially one perceived as a waste of time.

Is “faff” formal or informal?

faff is generally slang.