Tiff

A petty quarrel or dispute, typically of short duration and involving minor disagreements. A tiff usually arises from a trivial issue and is characterized by a display of irritation or annoyance, but it does not escalate into a major conflict. It can involve raised voices, sharp words, or sulking, often followed by reconciliation or temporary separation. Tiffs are common in close relationships, reflecting underlying tensions or misunderstandings, but they seldom inflict lasting damage.

Tiff meaning with examples

• After a long day, the couple had a small tiff about leaving the lights on, leading to some harsh words. Fortunately, it was quickly resolved. It's a common experience in relationships to occasionally have a tiff and that’s normal to avoid escalating things further.
• The siblings had a tiff over who got to pick the movie. The younger brother, feeling slighted, went and sulked in his room, but his sister followed shortly after, apologizing so they could enjoy the film together.
• The employees shared a tiff about the responsibility for completing the report by deadline day. After clarification of the roles, they worked together. The tiff proved helpful by clarifying potential problems and assigning responsibility to the team.
• Friends started a tiff during a board game due to differing views on strategy. After a tense exchange, they agreed to focus on enjoying the night. Their tiff didn't ruin the night. Their shared experience provided humor later.