GETTING WHIFF Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "getting whiff" refers to the act of sensing or detecting a faint or brief scent or smell. It is often used metaphorically to describe the act of perceiving or catching a hint or trace of information, a suspicion, or something elusive or hidden. The term "getting" implies the process of acquiring or attaining this sensory perception or understanding.
When used in the context of smelling or scent, "whiff" signifies a slight and usually momentary inhalation or perception of an aroma. It can suggest a subtle or fleeting fragrance that passes through the nostrils, commonly associated with the sense of smell. In a wider sense, "whiff" can also refer to a slight breath or puff of air, adding to its ephemeral connotations.
Additionally, "getting whiff" is often employed figuratively to describe the moment of realization or insight when someone becomes aware of something or forms a vague idea about a particular matter. It signifies the notion of grasping or comprehending something intangible or elusive, such as a tiny whiff of evidence or the faint scent of a hidden motive.
Overall, the expression "getting whiff" combines the sensory experience of smelling with the act of perceiving or understanding something subtle, often making it an apt metaphor for gaining an inkling or sensing a trace of subtle information or insight.
Common Misspellings for GETTING WHIFF
- getting whhff
- getting whinf
- getting whibf
- getting whifn
- getting whifb
- gettinngwhiff
- g etting whiff
- ge tting whiff
- get ting whiff
- gett ing whiff
- getti ng whiff
- gettin g whiff
- getting w hiff
- getting wh iff
- getting whi ff
- getting whif f
Etymology of GETTING WHIFF
The phrase "getting whiff" does not have a specific etymology as it is a relatively modern slang phrase that has evolved over time. However, we can deconstruct it to understand its meaning and possible origins.
The word "whiff" originally referred to a slight gust of wind or a puff of air, ultimately derived from the Middle English word "whiffen" meaning "to blow". Over time, it also came to refer to the act of smelling something as a brief, faint odor or scent carried by the wind.
However, in the context of "getting whiff", the meaning has shifted and is typically used in informal language to describe the act of getting a hint or an indication of something, often used in phrases like "getting a whiff of success" or "getting a whiff of trouble".
