NAFF Meaning and
Definition
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Naff is an adjective commonly used in British English to describe something that is considered to be tasteless, tacky, or uncool. It is often used to express a negative opinion towards a person, object, or situation that is perceived as lacking style, quality, or sophistication. Naffness is the noun form of the word.
The term "naff" originated in the Polari language, which was historically used by gay men and theatrical performers in the United Kingdom. Its exact etymology remains unclear, but it gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in the gay community. Over time, its usage expanded to wider society.
Naff can refer to anything that is deemed overly kitsch, gaudy, or cheesy. It can be used to describe an outdated fashion trend, a tasteless home decor item, or a corny and clichéd joke. It can also be applied to describe an individual's behavior or characteristics, typically implying a lack of refinement or sophistication.
The term is often used colloquially in light-hearted or humorous contexts to express a mild disdain or mockery. However, it is worth noting that the perception of what is deemed naff can vary among individuals and may be influenced by personal taste, cultural background, or societal norms. Ultimately, the designation of something as naff is subjective and can change over time.
Common Misspellings for NAFF
Etymology of NAFF
The word "naff" is derived from Polari, a secret language developed by the British gay community in the mid-20th century. It gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly among the British working class and those associated with subcultures like the mod and skinhead movements.
"Naff" originally meant "not available for f*cking" in Polari, and it was used as a euphemism to discuss sexual availability discreetly. Over time, its meaning broadened to describe something as dull, uncool, or inferior. It became a slang term used primarily in British English, particularly within countercultural groups.
The exact origin of "naff" in Polari is uncertain, but it likely evolved from older British slang, such as the Yiddish word "naf" meaning "nose" or "mouth".
Similar spelling words for NAFF
- napu,
- naif,
- nabu,
- napa,
- nave,
- nap,
- nape,
- NAAB,
- navy,
- nab,
- Nava.
Conjugate verb Naff
CONDITIONAL
I
would naff
we
would naff
you
would naff
he/she/it
would naff
they
would naff
FUTURE
I
will naff
we
will naff
you
will naff
he/she/it
will naff
they
will naff
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have naffed
we
will have naffed
you
will have naffed
he/she/it
will have naffed
they
will have naffed
PAST
I
naffed
we
naffed
you
naffed
he/she/it
naffed
they
naffed
PAST PERFECT
I
had naffed
we
had naffed
you
had naffed
he/she/it
had naffed
they
had naffed
PRESENT
I
naff
we
naff
you
naff
he/she/it
naffs
they
naff
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have naffed
we
have naffed
you
have naffed
he/she/it
has naffed
they
have naffed
I
am naffing
we
are naffing
you
are naffing
he/she/it
is naffing
they
are naffing
I
was naffing
we
were naffing
you
were naffing
he/she/it
was naffing
they
were naffing
I
will be naffing
we
will be naffing
you
will be naffing
he/she/it
will be naffing
they
will be naffing
I
have been naffing
we
have been naffing
you
have been naffing
he/she/it
has been naffing
they
have been naffing
I
had been naffing
we
had been naffing
you
had been naffing
he/she/it
had been naffing
they
had been naffing
I
will have been naffing
we
will have been naffing
you
will have been naffing
he/she/it
will have been naffing
they
will have been naffing
I
would have naffed
we
would have naffed
you
would have naffed
he/she/it
would have naffed
they
would have naffed
I
would be naffing
we
would be naffing
you
would be naffing
he/she/it
would be naffing
they
would be naffing
I
would have been naffing
we
would have been naffing
you
would have been naffing
he/she/it
would have been naffing
they
would have been naffing
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