piffy on a rock bun

English

Etymology

Age and etymology are uncertain; it existed in the 1930s and possibly derives from a music hall catchphrase. Some commentators (e.g. World Wide Words) suggest that piffy may have originally been patience, and the rock bun was simply a type of cake.

Pronunciation

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Noun

piffy on a rock bun (uncountable)

1. (slang, British, idiomatic) A person ignored or sidelined from an activity

   I hate your work parties: you always talk shop with your mates and leave me sat like piffy on a rock bun.

Usage notes

Common in North-West England, sometimes shortened to just like piffy. It is the Northern equivalent of the Southern like a lemon.