Sekirov Dictionary

spiff

/spɪf/

noun 3
verb 3
adjective 1
forms 5
phrases 1

noun3

•
Attractiveness or charm in dress, appearance, or manner.
- Without a diploma, he relies on spiff alone to climb the corporate ladder.
•
(slang) 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.
- The premium takes the form of a commission on goods sold. In some places it is a small premium, or in trade parlance a “spiff” on certain articles, and on others on the amount of sales. — 1893
(slang, no longer used) A well-dressed man; a swell.

verb3

•
(informal) (usually with up or out) To make spiffy (attractive, polished, or up-to-date)
- Oh, but we flatter ourselves that we are spiffed out; at all events, we've got our best dresses on. — 1874
•
(slang) To reward (a salesperson) with a spiff or bonus.
- It is my confirmed belief that, spiffed or not, the salesman is the consumer's best-qualified and best- informed source of assistance in matters of component selection. — 1968
•
(slang) To attach a spiff or bonus to the selling of (a product)
- Because you can pull out a spiff anywhere you are in the store and the customers are not aware that they are spiffed shoes. — 1919

adjective1

•
(dialect, no longer used) Neat, smartly dressed, attractive.
- “Hah spiff he is to dāay!—he mud be bown tul a wedding!” “He’s spiff eniff for’t!” — 1862

forms

spiffed · spiffing · spiffs · more spiff · most spiff

Phrases with spiff

spiff up
To decorate or otherwise make more attractive.

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