Scoff

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /skÉ’f/
• US IPA: /skɔːf/
• cot-caught IPA: /skɑːf/
• Rhymes: -É’f

From Middle English scof/skof, of Scandinavian origin. Compare Old Norse skaup, Danish skuffelse(noun)/skuffe(verb) and Old High German scoph.

Full definition of scoff

Noun

1. Derision; ridicule; a derisive or mocking expression of scorn, contempt, or reproach.
• ShakespeareWith scoffs, and scorns, and contumelious taunts.
• 1852, The Dublin University Magazine (page 66)There were sneers, and scoffs, and inuendoes of some; prophecies of failure in a hundred ways ...
2. An object of scorn, mockery, or derision.
• CowperThe scoff of withered age and beardless youth.

Synonyms

• (derision, ridicule) derision, ridicule

Verb

1. To jeer; laugh at with contempt and derision.
• GoldsmithTruth from his lips prevailed with double sway,
  And fools who came to scoff, remained to pray.

Synonyms

• (to jeer, laugh at) contemn, deride, sneer

From Afrikaans.

Noun

1. (South Africa) Food.

Verb

1. (British) To eat food quickly.
2. (South Africa) To eat.

Related terms

• scarf US