Word
scoff
US/ˈskɔf/
UK/skˈɒf/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small amount of something, usually food or money. It is a casual way to talk about a tiny bit of something that is not enough to be useful.
n. a small quantity of something, typically food or money. Often used in the plural to indicate a lack of resources or a minimal amount.
Examples
“After the long hike, we were so hungry that even a small scoff of food would have been welcome.”
Examples
contextual
“After the long hike, we were so hungry that even a small scoff of food would have been welcome.”
Real-World Examples
“I scoffed at the frivolity of these theories – their reduction of a marvellous organism to a cinematic villain.” “Bitter Christmas sneaks in a jab at Netflix when someone suggests Raúl should take his new project there: “Don’t reduce me to making a TV movie!” he scoffs.” Etymology
From Middle English scof, skof, probably of North Germanic origin. Compare Old Norse skaup, Old Danish skof, Old Frisian skof (“insult, shame”), and Old High German scoph.
A variant, attested since the mid 19th century, of scaff, of uncertain origin. Compare scarf (“eat quickly”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/scoff