stiff
B1 (Intermediate)Common in all registers from informal to formal, but specific usages (e.g., 'stiff a waiter') are informal/slang.
Definition
Meaning
Difficult to bend, stretch, or move; not flexible or pliant.
Used to describe something rigid, formal, awkward, severe, or strong (e.g., a stiff penalty). Can also refer to a dead body (slang/noun).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The adjective is highly polysemous, covering physical properties (rigid), manner (formal/awkward), difficulty (hard), severity (strong), and texture (thick). The verb is informal (to cheat/avoid paying). The noun (corpse) is informal/slang.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal core differences. Slang use as a verb ('stiff someone' = cheat/not pay) is slightly more common in AmE. 'Stiff' for a dead body is equally informal in both.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Can imply formality, lack of grace, or severity.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both dialects with similar distribution.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be/look/feel/get/become stiff (adj)stiff from/with something (adj)stiff someone (verb, informal)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “keep a stiff upper lip (remain stoic)”
- “bore someone stiff (bore extremely)”
- “scare someone stiff (terrify)”
- “stiff as a board”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'We face stiff competition from new market entrants.'
Academic
'The polymer exhibits a stiff molecular structure.'
Everyday
'My neck is stiff after sleeping awkwardly.'
Technical
'The beam must be stiff enough to resist deflection.' (Engineering)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He tried to stiff the taxi driver on the fare.
- The restaurant was stiffed on a large booking.
American English
- Don't stiff the waiter on the tip.
- The contractor stiffed them out of thousands.
adverb
British English
- He was bored stiff during the lecture.
- The wind was blowing stiff from the east.
American English
- That test scared me stiff.
- She was frozen stiff after waiting outside.
adjective
British English
- The new shoes were rather stiff at first.
- There was stiff opposition to the planning application.
- He offered a stiff handshake.
American English
- The cardboard is too stiff to fold.
- We beat some stiff competition to win.
- She felt stiff after the long flight.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This paper is stiff.
- My back feels stiff.
- The door is stiff to open.
- The competition for the job was very stiff.
- He walked with a stiff leg after the injury.
- Add more milk if the mixture is too stiff.
- The company imposed stiff fines for late payment.
- Her manner was rather stiff and unfriendly during the meeting.
- They mounted a stiff defence of their proposal.
- The new regulations met with stiff resistance from industry lobbyists.
- He maintained a stiff upper lip despite the devastating news.
- The prosecutor is seeking a stiff sentence for the convicted fraudster.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STIFF STIck - it doesn't bend.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTY IS RIGIDITY (a stiff exam), FORMALITY IS RIGIDITY (a stiff greeting), LACK OF EMOTION IS RIGIDITY (a stiff expression).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'stuff' (вещи/материал).
- Avoid direct translation for 'stiff drink' (крепкий напиток) as 'strong drink' is more standard.
- The noun 'stiff' (труп) is slang, not formal.
Common Mistakes
- *I have a stiff pain. (Correct: I have a dull/sharp pain OR stiff muscles.)
- Using 'stiff' for people meaning 'strong' (e.g., *He's a stiff man -> He's a sturdy/strong man).
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'keep a stiff upper lip', what does 'stiff' metaphorically represent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can mean formal, unfriendly, or not relaxed in manner (e.g., 'a stiff reception', 'a stiff demeanour').
It is informal and can be considered blunt or slang. In formal contexts, use 'cheat (out of)', 'fail to pay', or 'short-change'.
'Hard' primarily refers to solidity and resistance to pressure (a hard rock). 'Stiff' refers to resistance to bending or moving (a stiff brush, stiff hinges). A broom is stiff but not necessarily hard.
It is neutral to slightly positive in informal contexts, simply meaning a strong alcoholic drink. It is not typically used in formal or medical settings.