scuff
UK: skʌf | US: skʌf
vt. to scrape or brush against something, causing a mark or wear
vi. to walk without lifting the feet properly, making a dragging sound
n. a mark or worn spot caused by scraping or rubbing
The word "scuff" likely originates from imitative or sound-symbolic roots, mimicking the noise produced when something is dragged or scraped against a surface (e.g., shoes scraping the ground). It first appeared in English in the late 18th century, primarily describing the act of walking lazily or noisily. Over time, it expanded to include the physical marks left by such actions. The word’s simplicity and onomatopoeic quality make it memorable and intuitive.
She scuffed her new shoes while kicking a stone.
The toddler scuffed across the floor in his oversized slippers.
There’s a scuff on the table from where the chair was pushed too hard.
He scuffed the ball accidentally, sending it off course.
The old book’s cover was scuffed from years of use.