stiffer
stiffer — verb
- stifferpresent simple I / you / we / they
- stiffers3rd person singular
- stiffering-ing form
- stifferedpast simple
1. to get money or an advantage from someone by making false promises, without inte
to get money or an advantage from someone by making false promises, without intending to keep them
The contractor stiffed several homeowners by taking their money and never finishing the work.
stiff + someone (by + V-ing) — describes how the cheating was done
Wei felt the seller had stiffed him by sending a broken phone instead of the new model.
Heloísa discovered that her travel agent had stiffed her on the holiday package.
The used-car dealer stiffed customers by selling cars with hidden engine problems.
文法句型
stiff + someone
用法筆記
Frequently used in passive constructions: 'be stiffed' describes the victim's experience.
常見錯誤
2. to keep money that you should give to another person, especially someone who has
to keep money that you should give to another person, especially someone who has done work for you
After painting the whole house, Pedro's client tried to stiff him by claiming the job was not done well.
stiff + someone (for work completed)
The landlord stiffed the plumber on the repair bill even though the leak was fixed properly.
Ignacio worked for two weeks but his boss stiffed him and never paid a single cent.
Talia's client stiffed her on the consulting fee after she had finished the project.
- default on
more formal and typically used for loans or debts, not wages
- pay up
to give the money that is owed
文法句型
stiff + someone
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (CHEAT OR DECLARE): sense 2 focuses specifically on not handing over money that is due, without necessarily involving a broken promise.
3. to not give a tip (= extra money for service) to a waiter, driver, or other serv
to not give a tip (= extra money for service) to a waiter, driver, or other service worker
Omar stiffed the taxi driver after the driver took him the long way through heavy traffic.
stiff + service worker (reason shown in context)
A group of customers stiffed the waitress on a large dinner bill.
Ari never stiffs the barber and always leaves a generous tip in cash.
The hotel guest stiffed the bellhop who carried three suitcases up to the room.
- leave no tip
neutral phrasing without the informal judgment of 'stiff'
- tip generously
to give a large tip
文法句型
stiff + someone
用法筆記
Subject is the customer; object is the service worker. The context usually implies the customer was dissatisfied or simply unwilling to tip.
4. to not provide a person with an item, benefit, or opportunity that they had a ri
to not provide a person with an item, benefit, or opportunity that they had a right to expect
The committee stiffed the volunteers on the training materials they had promised.
stiff + someone + on + [expected item]
Jabari felt his boss had stiffed him on the promotion he had worked toward for two years.
The university stiffed the new teachers on the housing allowance they had been promised.
Owen thought the festival organizers had stiffed the bands on their backstage passes.
- shortchange
originally about money, now used more broadly for giving less than expected
文法句型
stiff + someone + on + something
用法筆記
The object of 'on' is the expected item or benefit, not a person. This sense broadens beyond money to any promised thing.
5. to murder a person, usually as part of a criminal plan or on the orders of gang
to murder a person, usually as part of a criminal plan or on the orders of gang leaders
In the crime novel, the gang leader ordered his men to stiff the witness before the trial began.
slang; stiff + someone (ordered to murder)
The old mobster threatened to stiff anyone who gave information to the police.
Ishaan watched a film where the villain planned to stiff the detective before the final showdown.
The mafia movie shows how the boss would stiff a traitor and dump the body in the river.
文法句型
stiff + someone
用法筆記
Strong slang, mostly found in crime fiction and dialogue about organized crime. Avoid in neutral or formal writing.
常見錯誤
6. to fail in business and earn very little or no money, often forcing the business
to fail in business and earn very little or no money, often forcing the business to close
Felipe's food truck stiffed after only three months because the parking permits were too expensive.
intransitive: business + stiffed (failed)
The new bookstore stiffed when a big chain opened just two blocks away.
Christopher's start-up stiffed within a year because the product was too expensive for most buyers.
Pedro's coffee shop stiffed during the first winter when foot traffic dropped sharply.
- thrive
to grow and succeed in business
文法句型
stiff (no object)
用法筆記
Unlike senses 1–5, this sense is intransitive — the business itself fails, not someone failing to pay. The subject is a business or venture.
常見錯誤
7. in golf, to send the ball a long way so that it stops right beside the hole
in golf, to send the ball a long way so that it stops right beside the hole
Sivan stiffed an approach shot to within a foot of the pin on hole eighteen.
stiff + approach shot + distance phrase: to within...
Mira stiffed the ball from two hundred metres out and left herself an easy putt.
Heloísa stiffed her second shot from the fairway, stopping just two feet from the pin.
Alessia took a three-wood and stiffed a shot that rolled to within inches of the cup.
文法句型
stiff + noun phrase (a shot / the ball / an approach)
用法筆記
This sense is used only in golf. The verb describes a high-skill shot that lands very near the hole, typically on a long-distance approach.
stiffer — noun
- stiffersingular
- stiffersplural
1. an informal word for a person, used with an adjective that says what kind of per
an informal word for a person, used with an adjective that says what kind of person they are or what their situation is
Rin is a lucky stiff — she won a free trip to Japan.
lucky stiff — informal expression for a fortunate person
The poor stiff worked the night shift at the same garage for thirty years.
The working stiffs on the morning train all looked exhausted.
What a sad stiff — he lost his wallet and keys on the same day.
文法句型
adjective + stiff describing a person
用法筆記
Almost always used with an adjective (lucky, poor, working, old) that describes the person. Never used alone without a modifier in this sense.
常見錯誤
2. an informal word for a dead human body, especially one found in a crime or accid
an informal word for a dead human body, especially one found in a crime or accident scene
The night guard discovered a stiff behind the supermarket freezer at midnight.
stiff = corpse; used in crime or accident contexts
Two fishermen found a stiff floating in the river near the old iron bridge.
The paramedic covered the stiff with a white sheet before the police arrived.
Detectives found the stiff in a locked room with no signs of a struggle.
用法筆記
This is slang and can sound disrespectful in formal or sensitive situations. The neutral terms ‘body’ or ‘corpse’ are safer for official or polite use.
stiffer — adjective
- stifferpositive
- stifferercomparative
- stifferestsuperlative
1. feeling firm and hard when you touch it, and not soft or bendable — for example,
feeling firm and hard when you touch it, and not soft or bendable — for example, old bread, dry leather, or thick fabric that has lost its softness.
The leather on the old sofa felt stiffer than the new one in the shop.
stiffer than — comparing firmness of two items
The bread grew stiffer after sitting out all night on the counter.
A stiffer mattress helped Theo sleep better than his old soft one.
The clay became much stiffer as it dried in the afternoon sun.
2. describing an object that is difficult to bend or move out of its shape — for ex
describing an object that is difficult to bend or move out of its shape — for example, thick cardboard, a new brush, or a metal rod.
The new cardboard box had stiffer sides and held the books well.
stiffer sides — referring to a container's rigidity
Wei found the door handle stiffer than usual and had to pull harder.
A stiffer plastic cover protected the tablet better than the thin one.
The new hiking boots felt stiffer at first but softened after a few walks.
- more rigid
more formal and suggests something that cannot bend at all
- tougher
emphasises strength and resistance to damage, not just bending
- more flexible
able to bend without breaking
3. describing muscles that feel tight and hurt when you try to move them, typically
describing muscles that feel tight and hurt when you try to move them, typically after hard exercise, sitting still for a long time, or sleeping in an awkward position.
Haruto's shoulders felt much stiffer after he carried boxes up three flights of stairs.
stiffer after physical activity — describing muscle tightness
When Mei woke up, her neck was stiffer than usual after sleeping on the floor.
Kofi's legs grew stiffer during the long bus ride from Accra to Kumasi.
Elena did some stretches because her back felt stiffer after sitting at the desk all day.
- more painful
focuses on the pain rather than the inability to move freely
- tighter
emphasises the feeling of muscles being pulled or contracted
- more relaxed
muscles that are not tight or painful
- looser
able to move freely without pain or restriction
用法筆記
Often used with parts of the body as the subject — neck, shoulders, back, legs, joints. Common in the pattern 'feel/get/grow stiffer'. Distinguish from sense 1 (FIRM TO TOUCH): this sense refers to muscle tightness and pain, not the texture of an object.
常見錯誤
4. behaving in a very formal and serious way that does not feel warm or relaxed — f
behaving in a very formal and serious way that does not feel warm or relaxed — for example, using very correct language at a meal, standing very straight, or not laughing at jokes.
Tomás seemed much stiffer at the formal dinner than when we met for coffee.
stiffer at a formal occasion — behaviour becoming more reserved
The new manager was stiffer with the staff than the old one and never smiled.
Linh noticed her uncle became stiffer whenever the topic of money came up.
The diplomat's tone grew stiffer during the press conference about the new policy.
- more formal
broader term covering any situation with correct etiquette
- less relaxed
focuses on the absence of casual ease
- more relaxed
calm and informal in behaviour
- friendlier
warm and open toward others
用法筆記
Describes a person's manner or style of communication, not the person's character as a fixed trait. Common in contexts of meetings, ceremonies, or first encounters.
常見錯誤
5. describing a punishment, rule, or competition that is more severe, difficult, or
describing a punishment, rule, or competition that is more severe, difficult, or demanding than expected — for example, a heavy fine, a tough exam, or a challenging race.
The school created stiffer rules about using phones in class with a fine for breaking them.
stiffer rules — more severe regulations or penalties
Anjali found the final exam stiffer than the practice test and studied for two more weeks.
Drivers now face a stiffer penalty for parking in front of a fire hydrant.
The competition for the scholarship grew stiffer as more students applied this year.
- harsher
suggests unreasonable severity, especially for punishments
- tougher
more general; fits exams, competition, and rules
- more stringent
formal, used for rules and standards in professional contexts
- more lenient
less strict or severe
- easier
less difficult or demanding
6. describing a wind that blows with noticeably more force than usual, making it ha
describing a wind that blows with noticeably more force than usual, making it harder to walk against it or keeping small objects from staying in place.
The wind on the mountain was stiffer than in the valley, so the hikers put on extra jackets.
stiff wind — strong wind that is hard to move against
A stiffer breeze came up from the harbour and blew papers off the café tables.
The wind grew stiffer as the afternoon went on, and flags began to flap loudly.
Sailors checked the ropes twice because the breeze had turned much stiffer overnight.
用法筆記
Used only with wind, breeze, or gale. Not used for rain, snow, or other weather conditions.
常見錯誤
7. If an alcoholic drink is stiff, it contains a large amount of alcohol and is ver
If an alcoholic drink is stiff, it contains a large amount of alcohol and is very strong.
After the long flight, Dmitri ordered a stiffer whiskey than his usual beer and felt the warmth spread quickly.
attributive comparative: stiffer + drink name (than...)
Hiroshi ordered a stiffer rum punch, but the bartender warned him it was too strong.
Oluwaseun poured himself a stiffer coffee than last time by adding an extra splash of brandy.
A stiffer cocktail like a double martini hits you much harder than a light beer or a glass of wine.
文法句型
stiff + noun (drink/whiskey/coffee)
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun describing a drink (whiskey, cocktail, rum). Never used predicatively — you would not say 'this drink is stiff.'
常見錯誤
8. Used to describe a price, fee, or cost that is very high and often feels unfair
Used to describe a price, fee, or cost that is very high and often feels unfair or difficult to pay.
The new garage charged Li Wei a stiffer fee than the old one for the same repair work.
collocation: stiffer fee — comparing prices between providers
Tourists complained that harbour restaurants charge stiffer prices than the places near the train station.
Pablo had to pay a stiffer fine for speeding than his sister did for parking illegally.
The private school charges a stiffer tuition fee than the public university, but offers smaller class sizes.
- steep
very similar in meaning and register; interchangeable in most contexts
- hefty
informal; suggests the amount feels large and burdensome
- exorbitant
stronger and more formal; suggests the price is unreasonable
- cheap
low in price
- reasonable
fair and not too expensive
文法句型
stiff + price/fee/cost/fine
用法筆記
Used only with nouns related to money: price, fee, cost, fine, rent, tuition. Not used with objects or services directly: 'a stiff meal' would be incorrect.
常見錯誤
9. Firmly determined in character; refusing to change your opinion, decision, or co
Firmly determined in character; refusing to change your opinion, decision, or course of action even when pressured.
The old general grew stiffer in his refusal to surrender the fortress than the younger officers expected.
pattern: stiffer in + refusal/opposition — comparative form
Fatima showed stiffer determination than her colleagues when the board criticised the project.
The villagers mounted stiffer resistance than the factory owners had anticipated.
A stiffer opponent than anyone expected made the trade negotiations drag on for weeks.
- resolute
more formal; suggests strong and steady purpose
- unyielding
emphasises the refusal to give in under pressure
- determined
broader and more common; describes someone with a strong will
- weak-willed
easily persuaded or influenced
- yielding
willing to give in or compromise
文法句型
be stiff in + noun
stiff + noun (opposition/resistance/refusal)
用法筆記
Describes a person's character or a group's collective attitude. Frequently pairs with nouns of opposition (resistance, refusal, opposition). Does not describe physical rigidity — for that, use sense 1 or 2.
常見錯誤
10. (informal slang) Extremely drunk, to the point where a person can barely walk, s
(informal slang) Extremely drunk, to the point where a person can barely walk, stand, or speak clearly.
After the wedding reception, half of the guests were stiffer than at any other party that year.
informal predicative: were stiffer than... — comparative degree of drunkenness
By midnight, most people at the bar were much stiffer than when the evening started, and some could barely stand.
Zara's brother grew stiffer as the night went on and ended up asleep on the sofa.
By the end of the party, Carlos was much stiffer than his cousin, who had drunk only water all night.
文法句型
be stiff
get stiff
用法筆記
Strongly informal slang. Never use in formal or professional writing. Typically used predicatively ('He is stiff') rather than attributively before a noun, though 'a stiff man' is occasionally heard in spoken slang.
常見錯誤
stiffer — adverb
1. More strongly or severely than before or compared with something else; used to s
More strongly or severely than before or compared with something else; used to say that a feeling, action, or effect has increased in intensity.
The fines for late tax returns were applied stiffer this year.
comparative adverb: 'applied stiffer' = more severely
The north wind blew stiffer as evening fell.
Competition for the job grew stiffer after the ad went online.
Sayaka felt the cold stiffer in the mountains than in the city.
- more severely
more common in everyday English
- with greater force
more explicit about physical intensity
- more gently
opposite in terms of force or intensity
文法句型
stiffer + verb (comparative of manner/degree)
用法筆記
Often follows verbs of applying force or experiencing effects (blow, howl, apply, freeze, feel).
2. In golf, used to describe a shot that lands closer to the hole than another shot
In golf, used to describe a shot that lands closer to the hole than another shot, making the next putt easier.
Zayd hit his approach stiffer than his opponent did.
golf terminology — 'stiffer' = closer to the hole
Sven played the ball stiffer from two hundred yards out.
Kofi's chip shot landed stiffer than any other player's that round.
Layla's second shot finished stiffer, stopping right beside the flag.
- closer
more general term; stiffer is golf-specific
文法句型
hit/play + stiffer + than + [noun phrase]
用法筆記
Use is limited to golf commentary and sports writing; almost always comparative, comparing the closeness of one shot to another.
3. With less ease of movement than before or compared with something else; in a mor
With less ease of movement than before or compared with something else; in a more rigid or less relaxed way.
Yael walked stiffer than usual after the long car trip.
comparative adverb describing body movement
The barn door swung stiffer on its hinges after the rain.
Ada held her back stiffer after lifting the heavy boxes.
Eli's fingers moved stiffer in the cold workshop.
- more rigidly
more technical; suggests lack of flexibility
- less smoothly
focuses on the difficulty of motion
- more freely
opposite — with greater ease of movement
- more smoothly
opposite — moving without resistance
文法句型
verb + stiffer + (than) [comparison]
用法筆記
Describes physical movement of people, animals, or mechanical parts; often compares the current state to a previous, more flexible one.