Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
JIFFIE, n., v., adv. Also jiffey, jiffy; jiffin (Rxb. 1802 J. Sibbald Chron. Sc. Poet. Gl.). [′dʒɪfe]
I. n. 1. A moment, the shortest possible space of time. Gen.Sc. Found in colloq. Eng. but only in such a phr. as in a jiffy, in a trice.Rnf. 1813 E. Picken Poems I I. 132:
[He] gat shav'd in a jiffin.Hdg. 1896 J. Lumsden Poems 94:
The mirkiest hour . . . Precedes the daw' — A jiffey ere god Sol abuue O'rewhelms it a'.
2. Haste, hurry (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 90).Ib.:
Y'ir in an unco jiffie.
3. The game of prisoner's base, “the starter calling ‘jiffie' from the base” (Sh.10 1959).
II. v. To make haste.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 90:
He jiffiet haim.
III. adv. With haste (Ib.).
[Orig. unknown, prob. imit.]
