Gif

/dʒɪf/ or /ɡɪf/ noun

Definition

Graphics Interchange Format, a digital image format that supports both static and animated images, commonly used for web graphics and memes.

Etymology

Acronym for 'Graphics Interchange Format,' created by Steve Wilhite at CompuServe in 1987. The pronunciation debate ('jif' vs 'gif') stems from whether to follow the creator's intended pronunciation or phonetic spelling.

Kelly Says

The great GIF pronunciation debate ('jif' vs 'gif') is one of the internet's most enduring controversies! Creator Steve Wilhite intended it to be pronounced 'jif' like the peanut butter brand, but many users pronounce it with a hard G. This shows how language evolves democratically, sometimes ignoring even the creator's intentions.

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