* It's likely a shortening of "jiffle": While not definitively proven, this is the most widely accepted theory. "Jiffle" itself is an old word meaning "a short time" or "a quick movement." This makes sense considering "jiffy" usually implies a very short duration.
* First recorded use: The earliest known use of "jiffy" dates back to the 19th century. It appeared in a book called "A Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" in 1811, where it was described as a slang term for a short period of time.
* Popularization: The term "jiffy" gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly through its use in technical fields and everyday speech.
However, there's no single, definitive answer to its origin. It's possible the word evolved from multiple sources, or that its exact meaning shifted over time.
While the specific origins remain unclear, it's clear that "jiffy" has become a widely used and understood term for a very short amount of time.