whiffle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareLiterary, Technical (golf), Dialectal
Quick answer
What does “whiffle” mean?
To blow in light, intermittent gusts, or to vacillate in opinion or intention.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To blow in light, intermittent gusts, or to vacillate in opinion or intention.
Also refers to producing a light, fluttering sound, or to a form of simple, hollow golf club.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The golf club usage is more likely in UK contexts.
Connotations
Primarily evokes whimsy or indecisiveness in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, possibly slightly higher literary recognition in UK.
Grammar
How to Use “whiffle” in a Sentence
The wind whiffles.He whiffles on the issue.The leaves whiffled in the breeze.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whiffle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The autumn breeze began to whiffle through the bare branches.
- Stop whiffling and make a decision!
American English
- The politician whiffled on his campaign promises.
- A soft wind whiffled the curtains.
adverb
British English
- (Very rare) The paper blew whiffle across the lawn.
American English
- (Very rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- He gave a whiffle answer that satisfied no one.
American English
- (Rare as adjective) It was a whiffle excuse for being late.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Rare, potentially in literary criticism to describe vacillating characters.
Everyday
Virtually unknown in common speech.
Technical
Refers to a type of simple, hollow golf club or practice ball.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whiffle”
- Using it as a synonym for a strong wind. Confusing it with 'whistle'. Overusing due to its novelty.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare word, mostly found in literary contexts or as a technical term in golf.
It's a light, plastic, perforated practice ball, but note this is a proprietary/trademark use derived from the verb.
Yes, figuratively it can mean to speak evasively or vacillate in what you say.
They are synonyms in the sense of indecision, often used together ('whiffle and waffle'). 'Waffle' is far more common in modern usage.
To blow in light, intermittent gusts, or to vacillate in opinion or intention.
Whiffle is usually literary, technical (golf), dialectal in register.
Whiffle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɪf.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɪf.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “whiffle and waffle (to be indecisive)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a light WHIFF of air that makes you FLE(x) your opinion back and forth.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDECISION IS UNSTEADY WIND ('He whiffled in the debate').
Practice
Quiz
In its most common verb sense, what does 'whiffle' primarily mean?