Word: Toff
Part of Speech: Noun (informal)
Definition: A "toff" is an informal term used to describe a person who is upper-class or wealthy. It often suggests that the person has a certain style or manner that is associated with being from a rich background.
Usage Instructions:
The word "toff" is informal and often used in a casual or humorous context. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying that the person is snobbish or out of touch with ordinary people.
It is commonly used in British English.
Examples:
Simple Example: "He always wears expensive suits; he’s such a toff."
In a Sentence: "The party was full of toffs, sipping champagne and discussing their latest holidays."
Advanced Usage:
You might hear "toff" used in literature or social commentary to discuss class differences in society. For example, "In the novel, the protagonist is a working-class hero who finds himself at odds with the toffs of London society."
Word Variants:
Toffiness (noun): Refers to the quality of being a toff or traits associated with upper-class people.
Toffish (adjective): Describes someone who behaves in a manner typical of a toff, often snobby or pretentious.
Different Meanings:
While "toff" primarily refers to a wealthy person, in some contexts, it can simply refer to someone who is well-dressed or stylish, regardless of their social class.
Synonyms:
Aristocrat
Noble
Elite
Upper-crust
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "toff," but you might hear expressions like "born with a silver spoon in their mouth," which describes someone born into wealth, similar to a toff.
Conclusion:
In summary, "toff" is an informal term used mainly in British English to refer to wealthy or upper-class individuals, usually with a hint of elegance or snobbery.