adj
naff
Naff (adj) means (informal) Unfashionable, cheap-looking or badly designed.
adj
1
(informal) Unfashionable, cheap-looking or badly designed.
"A mere seven years after her tragic death, isn’t it grim and tasteless to send her hologram off on some naff tour?"
— Barbara Ellen, Amy Winehouse could belt out a tune – her naff hologram can’t (2019)
"Did you see Elon Musk apologise for some tweets this week? (Please don’t be naff and call them “X posts”.)"
— Marina Hyde, So social media has broken even Elon Musk. I’m forced to ask: U OK hun? (2025)
"That tie is a bit naff, don’t you think?"
2
(informal) Attracted to people of the opposite sex.
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Etymology
Perhaps from Polari, dating to the 1960s. Beyond that its origin is unknown; it may be a deliberate corruption of either fanny or eff (off) (see naff off).
Rhymes for naff
See all rhymes for naff →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of naff?
"naff" (adj) means (informal) Unfashionable, cheap-looking or badly designed.
What are the different meanings of naff?
"naff" has 2 main meanings: 1. (informal) Unfashionable, cheap-looking or badly designed; 2. (informal) Attracted to people of the opposite sex.
