Definition for: naff

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English

Etymology

Uncertain:

• Collins suggests a possible 19th century origin from back slang of fan , fanny.
• AHD suggests a possible dialectal origin but goes no further.
• Yawiki contributors suggest it is derived from the Polari word naph , and popularised and hence changed its spelling due to being used on the BBC radio programme Round the Horne by Julian and Sandy in the 1960s.
• OED has no evidence before 1966 and mentions the Polari theory and others without going so far as to accept any of them without further evidence.
• Cassell's Dictionary of Slang refers to it being confused. Its etymology is confused with N ot A vailable F or F ucking in gay speak (not Polari), an unavailable man. However it is unlikely the word held both these meanings at once by the same group of people.
• The BBC show Balderdash and Piffle disagrees with Cassell's.
• Encarta merely state the etymology is unknown.
• Merriam-Webster and Etymology Online offer no information.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -æf

Adjective

naff ( comparative naffer , superlative naffest )

1. ( British slang ) Considered to be poor taste.

   That tie with Homer Simpson on it is a bit naff , don’t you think?

Derived terms

• naff all
• naff off -here it is used as a euphemism for fuck.

See also

• BBC Wordhunt

Other Translations for "naff"

Braille 6 Dot
Braille 8 Dot
Sign Language Spelling
Morse Code		naff
Hex		ee e1 66 66
Pig Latin		affnay

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