What is the Correct Pronunciation of GIF(File Format)?

Getting in to the GIF Debate:

The pronunciation of GIF has been a long-standing debate, with no definitive correct answer. Both “GIF” (with a hard “g”) and “jif” (with a soft “g”) are widely accepted pronunciations.

Here’s a Breakdown of the Debate:

Arguments for “GIF” (hard “g”):
The creator of GIF, Steve Wilhite, originally intended it to be pronounced with a hard “g”. He even stated it publicly at the Webby Awards in 2013.
Some argue that pronouncing it “jif” would create an inconsistency with other words like “giraffe” and “gift”.

Arguments for “jif” (soft “g”):
It aligns with the pronunciation of the individual letters — G, I, and F.
Many people find it more intuitive and easier to say than “GIF”.
The Oxford English Dictionary lists both pronunciations as acceptable.
Ultimately, the choice of which pronunciation to use is a personal preference. Both “GIF” and “jif” are understood by most people, and neither pronunciation is considered more professional than the other.

Here are some tips for navigating the pronunciation debate:

Pay attention to your audience: If you’re in a professional setting, it might be wise to use the pronunciation that your colleagues or clients use.

Be flexible: If someone corrects you, there’s no need to argue. Simply thank them for the clarification and move on.

Have fun with it: You could even use both pronunciations playfully to break the ice and avoid the debate altogether.