Definition

1. Noun:

   • An expression of scornful derision or mockery: A scoff is a remark or sound that shows contempt, disbelief, or ridicule.
   • (Slang) Food; a meal: In informal contexts, "scoff" can refer to food.

2. Verb:

   • To speak about or treat something with contemptuous mockery or derision: To scoff is to express scornful disbelief or disrespect, often verbally.
   • To eat something quickly and greedily: In informal slang, to scoff means to eat food rapidly.

Usage Examples

• Noun (derision):

  • He ignored the scoffs of his critics and continued his work.
  • Her suggestion was met with scoffs from the experienced team.

• Noun (slang: food):

  • I'm starving; let's get some scoff.
  • There's plenty of scoff in the kitchen if you're hungry.

• Verb (to mock):

  • They scoffed at the idea that the project could be finished on time.
  • She scoffed when she heard the outlandish claim.

• Verb (slang: to eat):

  • He scoffed the entire pizza before anyone else got a slice.
  • The kids scoffed their sandwiches and ran outside to play.

Advanced Usage

• "to be the scoff of": to be an object of widespread mockery or derision.
  • After the failed product launch, the company became the scoff of the industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Scoffer (noun): A person who scoffs or mocks.

  • The prophet was surrounded by scoffers who did not believe his warnings.

• Scoffing (noun/gerund): The act of expressing scorn.

  • His constant scoffing made it difficult to have a serious conversation.

• Scoffingly (adverb): In a scoffing manner.

  • "Is that your best plan?" she asked scoffingly.

Synonyms

• Mock: To tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner.
• Jeer: To make rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice.
• Fleer (archaic/literary): To laugh or grimace in a coarse or scornful way.
• Flout: To openly disregard (a rule, law, or convention), which relates to the dismissive attitude inherent in scoffing.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Scoff at: This is the standard construction for the verb meaning "to mock."
  • It's easy to scoff at new ideas before trying them.

Related Idioms

• "To scoff at danger": To show contempt for a risky situation, acting as if it is not serious.
  • The veteran soldier seemed to scoff at danger, walking calmly through the training exercise.

Noun

1. showing your contempt by derision

Verb

1. treat with contemptuous disregard
   • flout the rules
2. laugh at with contempt and derision
   • The crowd jeered at the speaker