Gifs

/ˈɡɪfs/ or /ˈdʒɪfs/ noun

Definition

Graphics Interchange Format files, compressed image files that can display simple animations or static images.

Etymology

Acronym from 'Graphics Interchange Format', created by Steve Wilhite at CompuServe in 1987. The pronunciation debate reflects the creator's preference for 'jif' versus popular usage 'gif'.

Kelly Says

The GIF format accidentally became the lingua franca of internet emotion and humor, far outliving its original purpose as a space-saving image format. The pronunciation debate has divided the internet for decades!

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