spiffing
Britishadjective
-
slang excellent; splendid
Etymology
Origin of spiffing
C19: probably from dialect spiff spruce, smartly dressed
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After spiffing up the biggest of its five Macau properties, Sands grew its share of the region’s gambling revenue and profit to about 25% and 30%, respectively, in the September quarter.
From Barron's • Dec. 23, 2025
A total of 10 students are now contributing, either by spiffing up the production or maintaining the Instagram account.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2024
Every home can use a bit of TLC every now and then, but spiffing it up doesn’t need to break the bank.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2019
The depiction of Thorpe's double-life is enabled with "spiffing joie de vivre" through Alex Jenning's performance as fellow MP Peter Bessell - the confidant turned witness in Thorpe's eventual trial for conspiracy to murder Scott.
From BBC • May 21, 2018
His wife, who had demonstrated her originality by calling herself Mrs. Minor, was what is known as a spiffing cook and a top-notch dresser.
From Black Oxen by Atherton, Gertrude Franklin Horn
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.