i Register
In some senses, piffle is marked as dated. Watch for register when choosing this word.
piffle
/ˈpɪf.əl/
verb 3noun 1
Collocations
3ADJ.
pure
PIFFLE + NOUN
dumbshow
ADV.
obviously, sharply
Definitions
noun
1
Nonsense, foolish talk.
The wafflier the piffle, the more sharply Mr Nicholson wields his skewer.
The move is obviously pure piffle: a dumbshow designed to placate (or at least entertain) the conservative base while distracting and antagonising rivals.
verb
1
To act or speak in a futile, ineffective, or nonsensical manner.
2
To waste, to fritter away.
3
To be squeamish or delicate.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
noun — trivial nonsense
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
301
The wafflier the piffle, the more sharply Mr Nicholson wields his skewer.
Wiktionary02
The move is obviously pure piffle: a dumbshow designed to placate (or at least entertain) the conservative base while distracting and antagonising rivals.
Wiktionary03
Balderdash and piffle!
Tatoeba · #9518207Usage Notes
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