How to Pronounce Faff

To pronounce "faff", say FAFF — one syllable, IPA /faf/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

faff

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying faff, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

1

Syllable

4

Letters

/faf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “faff”

"faff" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat.

What does faff mean?

noun

  1. An overcomplicated task, especially one perceived as a waste of time.

    “Adjusting this television is a bit of a faff.”

  2. (typically in the phrase 'in a faff') A state of confused or frantic activity.

    “She's in a total faff about tonight's dinner party.”

verb

  1. To waste time on an unproductive activity.

    “I decided to stop faffing about and get some work done.”

Synonyms

flaparse arounddick around

Related words

faffagefafferyfasheryfoofarawfuzzfashfiddlefribble

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "faff"?▾

"Faff" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "faff"?▾

The IPA transcription of "faff" is /faf/.

What does "faff" mean?▾

Faff: An overcomplicated task, especially one perceived as a waste of time.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “faff” in the full dictionary →