What does scoff mean?
To scoff is to treat someone or something with ridicule, scorn, or open contempt, usually by suggesting that it deserves amusement rather than serious consideration. The phrase “scoff at” is the standard pattern: “They scoffed at his unconventional proposal.” As a noun, a scoff is a derisive expression or remark, such as a snort of contempt or a sneering comment. The word often conveys a more deliberate and openly contemptuous attitude than simply teasing or joking. Historically, scoffing has been associated with dismissing ideas, institutions, customs, or people that the speaker regards as unworthy or ridiculous. In contemporary use, it can describe either spoken mockery or a broader cultural attitude of dismissive skepticism. The word is useful because it names a specific form of ridicule that is not merely criticism, but an attempt to undermine the dignity or seriousness of its target.
To mock, ridicule, or express contempt for someone or something.
"Critics scoffed at the idea when it was first proposed."
Commonly used with “at”; the subject is the person expressing contempt.
An expression, remark, or attitude expressing derision or contempt.
"She answered his doubts with a scoff and walked away."
Used when referring to multiple derisive remarks or expressions of contempt.
"The article met the announcement with a series of scoffs."
A scoff does more than disagree: it aims to make its target feel ridiculous.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scoff come from?
The word comes from Middle English and ultimately from an Old French verb meaning “to mock,” derived from a Vulgar Latin root related to the practice of stripping bark from trees. That root also lies behind English words such as “scorch” and “excoriate.” The noun sense developed alongside the verb and refers to an expression of derision or contempt.
Related word forms
How scoff is actually used
The verb is usually followed by the preposition “at.” As a noun, it refers to an expression or act of contemptuous mockery. The word is generally more formal or literary than “mock” in everyday speech.
Easily confused with scoff
To scold someone is to reprimand them angrily, whereas to scoff at someone is to mock or express contempt for them.