Pronunciation: [ʃˈʌfti] (IPA) 
The word "shufti" is a British slang term meaning to take a quick look or glance. The spelling of this word may be confusing to those unfamiliar with its origin. It is pronounced /ˈʃʊfti/ (SHUFT-ee) with the "sh" sound in "shoe" followed by "u" as in "put" and "f" as in "fun." The "ti" ending is pronounced with a short "i" as in "bit." Despite its unconventional spelling, "shufti" has become a commonly used word in British English.
Shufti is a colloquial term that originated in British military slang during World War II and is commonly used in British English. It is derived from the Arabic word "shafah," which means to look or observe. Shufti is primarily used as a noun and refers to a quick or cursory glance or inspection. It is often used in the phrase "have/having a shufti," which means to take a brief look at something or someone.
In its literal sense, shufti implies a rapid or casual visual assessment, typically done to ascertain information or get a general idea about the situation. It can also be used figuratively to mean examining or evaluating something briefly or casually, often with the intention of determining its worth or significance.
The term has evolved over time to have a broader meaning. It can be used in a more casual context to express the act of checking or verifying something quickly, as in having a shufti at one's phone for notifications. Additionally, it can imply a suspicion or skepticism towards something and can convey a sense of caution in wanting to assess a situation.
Overall, shufti is a versatile term that denotes a quick glance or examination, and it has found its place in informal conversations to describe the act of briefly observing or evaluating something or someone.
The word "shufti" is believed to have originated in the Middle East, particularly in British military slang during World War II. It is derived from Arabic شفتی (shuftī), which means "I have seen" or "I have looked". British soldiers stationed in the Middle East likely adopted the term to refer to a quick glance or a cursory look around. Over time, the term made its way into general British colloquial language, and today it is commonly used to mean taking a brief look or checking something out.
