If you’ve ever stumbled over the words quaff and coif, don’t worry—you’re in good company. These two look alike, sound similar, and show up in totally different contexts.
It’s easy to mix them up, especially when you see them online or in older texts. Today, we’ll break down both words using simple explanations, examples, comparisons, and even memory tricks so you never confuse them again.
Let’s dive in.
Quaff vs. Coif — Understanding the Difference
Before we zoom in on each word, here’s the core idea:
- Quaff = drinking deeply
- Coif = styling hair or wearing a head covering
Think of it like this: You quaff a drink; you coif your hair.
Two actions, two worlds—one related to beverages, one to beauty.
Understanding Homophones (and Why These Two Almost Feel Like One)
Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings.
Common examples include bare/bear, brake/break, one/won.
Even though quaff and coif are near-homophones, they’re not perfect ones. Their spellings create visual confusion, which tricks your brain into assuming they probably sound the same.
Here’s a quick pronunciation table:
| Word | Pronunciation | Rhymes With | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quaff | /kwaf/ or /kwɒf/ | “scoff” | To drink deeply |
| Coif | /kwahf/ or /koif/ (varies) | “boyf” (in some accents) or “coiffure” | To style hair or a head covering |
Notice the slight shift? That tiny variation is enough to cause big confusion.
What “Quaff” Means
Definition of Quaff
To quaff means to drink something heartily, quickly, or with enthusiasm.
It’s stronger than “sip” and more colorful than “drink.”
Think medieval feasts, ale mugs slamming on wooden tables, and someone yelling, “Quaff your brew!”
Part of Speech and Usage
- Verb: “He quaffed a mug of cider.”
- Noun: Rare, but used as in “a hearty quaff.”
Today, you’ll mostly see it used as a verb.
Etymology
The word traces back to Middle English quaffen, meaning “to drink.”
Some scholars connect it with similar Germanic words for “gulping” or “imbibing with gusto.”
Where You Might See Quaff
You’ll run into quaff in:
- Historical novels
- Fantasy books (think Tolkien, medieval references)
- Poetry and classical literature
- Restaurant and wine descriptions trying to sound fancy
- Craft beer culture (yes, people still say it!)
It isn’t a casual everyday word, but it adds flavor—like seasoning in writing.
Example Sentences: Quaff
- “The warriors quaffed ale in celebration.”
- “She quaffed the iced tea after her run.”
- “They sat on the porch and quaffed lemonade in the summer heat.”
- “In the tavern, travelers quaffed drinks while exchanging stories.”
What “Coif” Means
Definition of Coif
To coif means to style or arrange hair neatly.
As a noun, a coif refers to a close-fitting cap, often worn historically under armor or by women.
Part of Speech and Usage
- Verb: “She coifed her hair before the ceremony.”
- Noun: “The knight wore a chain-mail coif.”
Modern language leans heavily on the hair styling meaning.
Historical Background
The word originally referred to a linen or chain-mail head covering worn in medieval Europe.
Later, French influence introduced coiffure, which gradually evolved into:
- coif (verb): styling hair
- coiffed (adj.): hair done neatly
- coiffure (noun): hairstyle (still used)
Where You’ll See Coif Today
You’ll find coif in:
- Fashion magazines
- Beauty and hairstyling blogs
- Historical documents
- Military or medieval descriptions
- Phrases like “perfectly coiffed hair”
It’s both timeless and modern, depending on the context.
Example Sentences: Coif
- “The stylist coifed his hair into a sleek side part.”
- “Her carefully coiffed curls held up all evening.”
- “The monk’s coif was simple and unadorned.”
- “He arrived with a perfectly coiffed quiff.”
Quaff vs. Coif: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a simple table that gives you the full picture:
| Feature | Quaff | Coif |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Drink deeply | Style hair / head covering |
| Part of Speech | Verb (mostly), noun (rarely) | Verb + noun |
| Context | Drinking, medieval, literary | Hairstyling, fashion, history |
| Tone | Dramatic, old-fashioned, vivid | Stylish, refined, descriptive |
| Pronunciation | /kwaf/ | /kwahf/ or /koif/ |
| Common Mistake | Used as “sip” | Used only for historical meanings |
Memory Tricks
Here are some quick ways to remember the difference:
- Quaff = Gulp. (Both have the “a” sound and feel punchy.)
- Coif = Coiffure. (Think hair salon.)
- Imagine: You quaff a drink before going to coif your hair.
That’s a scene no one forgets.
Sentence Comparison
- Correct: “He quaffed the ale before the toast.”
- Correct: “She coifed her hair for the event.”
- Incorrect: “He coifed the beer.”
- Incorrect: “She quaffed her hairstyle.”
Language crimes avoided.
Common Mistakes People Make
Even advanced English learners mix these two up. Here are the biggest traps:
1. Thinking They Sound the Same
They’re close, but not identical.
Different accents add even more confusion.
2. Using Quaff for Casual Drinking
“Quaff” doesn’t describe sipping a latte.
It’s meant for hearty, enthusiastic drinking.
3. Assuming Coif Only Means Hair
The historical meaning (“head covering”) is still valid in certain contexts.
4. Pairing Them Incorrectly in Sentences
A quick trick:
If it’s hair → coif. If it’s liquid → quaff.
5. Overusing Them
Both words add flair, but too much flair feels forced.
Use them like spices—enhance, don’t overwhelm.
Case Study: How Writers Use These Words Incorrectly
Let’s walk through a real-life example based on common writing mistakes.
The Wrong Sentence
“The knight quaffed his coif before battle.”
This makes no sense. You can’t drink your armor.
The Corrected Version
“The knight adjusted his coif before the battle and later quaffed ale with his men.”
One action for hair/helmet.
One action for ale.
Balance restored.
Quotes to Illustrate Meaning
“He quaffed the wine as if he hadn’t tasted joy in years.”
(Colorful drinking)
“Her hair was so perfectly coiffed it looked sculpted.”
(High-end hair styling)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “quaff” mean?
It means to drink something deeply or enthusiastically.
What does “coif” mean?
To coif means to style hair. As a noun, it refers to a close-fitting head covering.
Are “quaff” and “coif” pronounced the same way?
They’re similar but not identical; pronunciation varies by accent.
How can I easily remember the difference?
Think Quaff = Gulp, Coif = Hairstyle.
One for drinking, one for grooming.
Is “coif” still used today?
Absolutely. It shows up in beauty, fashion, and historical writing.
Conclusion
At first glance, quaff and coif look like cousins. But once you break them down, their meanings are worlds apart. One belongs in a tavern with mugs of ale; the other belongs on a runway with styled curls.
Now you know how to use each one correctly—and even confidently teach someone else the difference. Next time you spot these words in a book or online, you’ll not only understand them, you’ll appreciate them.
Aiden Brooks is an educational writer dedicated to simplifying grammar for learners of all levels. He creates clear, practical explanations that help students read, write, and understand English with confidence.
