spiff

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A well-dressed man; a swell.

Register: archaic, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English
Sources & notes

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

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A bonus or other remuneration, given for reaching a sales goal or promoting the goods of a particular manufacturer. Originally from textile retailing, a percentage given for selling off surplus or out-of-fashion stock, of which the sales person could offer part as a discount to a customer.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

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

Common questions

What does “spiff” mean?

A well-dressed man; a swell.

Is “spiff” formal or informal?

spiff is generally archaic, slang.