skiffy story
- noun
- /ˈskɪfi ˈstɔri/
- Slang
- I just read a skiffy story about aliens invading Earth.
Examples
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The magazine features several new skiffy stories by up-and-coming writers.
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Some critics dismiss the novel as just another skiffy story, but fans appreciate its creativity.
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He enjoys reading skiffy stories when he wants something lighthearted and fun.
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Have you ever enjoyed a skiffy story?
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He enjoys reading skiffy stories when he wants something lighthearted and fun.
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The magazine features several new skiffy stories by up-and-coming writers.
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Some critics dismiss the novel as just another skiffy story, but fans appreciate its creativity.
How Informal
Surface Forms
Morphology
skiffy + story
The noun phrase is compositionally formed from 'skiffy' (a slang variant of 'sci‑fi' = science fiction) and 'story' (a narrative), so if a learner knows that 'skiffy' refers to science fiction the combined meaning 'a science fiction story' is directly derivable. Although 'skiffy' is informal/slang and may be unfamiliar to many learners, the semantic composition itself is transparent.
Etymology
The term skiffy story comes from a playful way of saying skiffy, a joking form of 'sci-fi' and 'science fiction'. Because it began as a light, joking word, a skiffy story usually means a fun, informal 'science fiction' tale.