Jiffy

/ˈdʒɪfi/
noun

A very short moment of time.

I'll be ready in a jiffy.
Visual representation of "jiffy" - A very short moment of time

Often appears as...

  • in a jiffy
  • just a jiffy

Usage tips

Colloquial

noun

A unit of time in computer science, equals 1 tick of a system timer interrupt.

The process was completed in 50 jiffies.
Visual representation of "jiffy" - A unit of time in computer science, equals 1 tick of a system timer interrupt

Often appears as...

  • 50 jiffies
  • 100 jiffies

Usage tips

Technical

noun

A very short period of time in physics, equals the time it takes for light to travel one fermi.

Light travels at a staggering speed, covering a fermi in just a jiffy.
Visual representation of "jiffy" - A very short period of time in physics, equals the time it takes for light to travel one fermi

Often appears as...

  • in a jiffy
  • just a jiffy

Usage tips

Academic

noun

A very short moment of time.

I'll be ready in a jiffy.
Visual representation of "jiffy" - A very short moment of time

Often appears as...

  • in a jiffy
  • just a jiffy

Usage tips

Colloquial

noun

A unit of time in computer science, equals 1 tick of a system timer interrupt.

The process was completed in 50 jiffies.
Visual representation of "jiffy" - A unit of time in computer science, equals 1 tick of a system timer interrupt

Often appears as...

  • 50 jiffies
  • 100 jiffies

Usage tips

Technical

noun

A very short period of time in physics, equals the time it takes for light to travel one fermi.

Light travels at a staggering speed, covering a fermi in just a jiffy.
Visual representation of "jiffy" - A very short period of time in physics, equals the time it takes for light to travel one fermi

Often appears as...

  • in a jiffy
  • just a jiffy

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "jiffy"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Casual Usage

Often used in casual conversation more than formal writing.

Illustration for Casual Usage
Hang on, I'll be with you in a jiffy.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implied Promptness

Suggests doing something very quickly without exact time.

Illustration for Implied Promptness
Let me check; I will have your answer in a jiffy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Expressing Impatience

Can express mild impatience when waiting for someone.

Illustration for Expressing Impatience
Are you still not ready? I've been waiting for just a jiffy!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Casual Usage

Often used in casual conversation more than formal writing.

Illustration for Casual Usage
Hang on, I'll be with you in a jiffy.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implied Promptness

Suggests doing something very quickly without exact time.

Illustration for Implied Promptness
Let me check; I will have your answer in a jiffy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Expressing Impatience

Can express mild impatience when waiting for someone.

Illustration for Expressing Impatience
Are you still not ready? I've been waiting for just a jiffy!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Casual Usage

Often used in casual conversation more than formal writing.

Illustration for Casual Usage
Hang on, I'll be with you in a jiffy.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implied Promptness

Suggests doing something very quickly without exact time.

Illustration for Implied Promptness
Let me check; I will have your answer in a jiffy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Expressing Impatience

Can express mild impatience when waiting for someone.

Illustration for Expressing Impatience
Are you still not ready? I've been waiting for just a jiffy!
Visual representation of the word "Jiffy"

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