stiff
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
An average person, usually male, of no particular distinction, skill, or education.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
working stiff
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).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A person who is deceived, as a mark or pigeon in a swindle.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
A cadaver; a dead person.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “stiff” mean?
An average person, usually male, of no particular distinction, skill, or education.
Is “stiff” formal or informal?
stiff is generally slang.