What does scoffed mean?
To scoff is to express contemptuous mockery, often toward a person, idea, proposal, or object. The word suggests not merely disagreement but a dismissive reaction that treats what is being discussed as foolish, ridiculous, or unworthy of serious consideration. In contemporary English it is especially common in the phrase 'scoff at,' as in 'she scoffed at the suggestion.' Scoffing can be communicated through words, facial expressions, laughter, or a derisive sound, so it can describe either an explicit act of mockery or the attitude conveyed by one. The word has a somewhat formal but familiar tone and can be vivid when describing a speaker's dismissive manner. It is stronger and more openly hostile than criticism, and more openly contemptuous than merely finding something amusing. Its usefulness lies in its ability to capture the precise combination of ridicule and rejection that many everyday descriptions of disagreement leave unspecified.
verbTo speak with contemptuous mockery or dismiss something as unworthy, often with a derisive sound or gesture.
- To express contemptuous mockery or ridicule, especially by making a derisive sound or dismissing an idea with ridicule.
"She scoffed at the suggestion that the problem was trivial."
"He scoffed at the idea of taking the shortcut and continued along the main road."
"The critic scoffed at the painting before admitting that its colors were unusually striking."
To scoff may express contempt with a single dismissive sound, making it one of English's sharpest ways to show that a suggestion is considered ridiculous.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scoffed come from?
The verb descends from Middle English forms associated with 'scoff,' whose deeper origin is uncertain. It developed in English in the sense of showing contempt or derision, and the modern past-tense form 'scoffed' follows the ordinary English pattern of adding -ed to the base verb. The word's established connection with mockery is clearer than its remote linguistic ancestry.
Related word forms
How scoffed is actually used
Usually conveys a more visibly contemptuous or mocking attitude than simple criticism. It is commonly used in the construction 'scoff at'.
Easily confused with scoffed
To scoff is to mock or express contempt, whereas to scuff is to scrape or wear the surface of something, such as shoes.