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Piffle: meaning, definitions and examples

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piffle

 

[ ˈpɪfəl ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

nonsense talk

Piffle refers to trivial talk or nonsense. It is often used to dismiss something as insubstantial or silly.

Synonyms

babble, drivel, nonsense

Examples of usage

  • Don't listen to that piffle about the weather.
  • He tends to indulge in a lot of piffle during meetings.
  • Her speech was filled with piffle rather than substantial arguments.
Context #2 | Verb

dismiss nonsense

To piffle means to talk nonsense or to make trivial remarks. It is commonly used to describe the act of engaging in frivolous conversation.

Synonyms

blather, gab, prattle

Examples of usage

  • She often piffles when discussing serious topics.
  • They were just piffle-ing about trivial matters.
  • Stop piffle-ing and get to the point.

Etymology

The word 'piffle' has its origins in the early 20th century, specifically from the 1920s in American English. It is believed to be an alteration of the earlier term 'piff,' which itself was a colloquial expression suggesting something ineffective or trivial. The playful nature of the word lends itself well to the idea of lighthearted conversation or trivial chatter. Over the decades, 'piffle' has maintained its whimsical connotation, often used in both written and spoken language to dismiss ideas, statements, or conversations that lack substance. Its usage reflects a certain disdain for frivolity, capturing the speaker's intent to emphasize the triviality of the subject matter.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,322, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.