jiffy
C1Informal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
A very short, indefinite period of time; an instant.
Used informally to emphasize speed or brevity of an action. In computing, historically referred to one sixtieth of a second (1/60 s) in some contexts, though this is obsolete.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Almost exclusively used in the phrase "in a jiffy" or "just a jiffy." It is a lighthearted, slightly old-fashioned term for a short wait.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British English, but well-understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Both: Friendly, informal, sometimes quaint or playful.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal contexts. More likely in spoken than written English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
I'll be [V-ing] in a jiffy.It'll only take a jiffy.Just a jiffy!Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in a jiffy”
- “in two shakes of a lamb's tail (similar informal idiom)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in very informal internal communication to sound friendly (e.g., 'I'll send that report over in a jiffy').
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Primary domain. Used in casual conversation about short waits (e.g., cooking, repairs, coming back).
Technical
Historical/obsolete in computing (1/60 sec). Not used in modern technical jargon.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He popped it into a jiffy bag for posting.
American English
- She used a jiffy mix to make the cornbread.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Wait here, I'll be back in a jiffy.
- The computer should restart in just a jiffy.
- 'How long will the repair take?' 'Oh, just a jiffy – it's a simple fix.'
- Despite its quaint sound, 'in a jiffy' remains a serviceable colloquialism for expressing imminent completion.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a fast, efficient "Jiffy" brand peanut butter spread – it's done in a jiffy!
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURABLE OBJECT (a very small, quick one).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as 'джИффи'. The concept is 'мгновение', 'секундочку', 'минутку'.
- Do not confuse with the brand name 'Jiffy' for products.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable unit without 'a' (e.g., 'I'll be there in jiffy' is wrong).
- Using it in formal writing.
- Pronouncing it with a long 'i' (like 'jife').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'jiffy' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not officially. It has had informal technical definitions (like 1/100 sec or 1/60 sec) in computing and physics history, but these are obsolete. In modern use, it's just an informal word for a very short time.
No, it is strictly informal and colloquial. Use 'moment', 'instant', or 'short time' instead.
'Moment' is standard and neutral. 'Jiffy' is informal and implies the time is even shorter and the action will be completed with speed.
It is somewhat dated but still understood and used, often to sound playful or quaint. Younger speakers might use 'sec' or 'bit' more frequently.