scoff
UK: /skɒf/ | US: /skɔːf/
v. to speak or act disrespectfully; to mock or ridicule
v. to eat something quickly and greedily
n. an expression of scorn or derision
The word "scoff" has dual meanings, each with distinct origins. The sense of "mocking" likely derives from Middle Dutch "schof" (jest) or Old Norse "skopa" (to mock). The meaning "to eat greedily" may come from Afrikaans "schoff" (to gobble), influenced by Dutch "schrokken" (to devour). Despite their separate roots, both meanings merged into modern English, creating a versatile word for scornful behavior or rapid consumption.
She scoffed at the idea of working for free.
The teenagers scoffed their burgers in minutes.
His suggestion was met with a dismissive scoff.
Don’t scoff—this theory has scientific backing.
After the hike, they scoffed down an entire pizza.