Scoffs

A scoff is an expression of contempt or disbelief that may take the form of a dismissive laugh, a sharp exclamation, or a derisive tone. As a noun, it can refer to the utterance itself or the gesture that accompanies it. The verb form, "to scoff," means to express scorn or to treat an idea as unworthy of attention, as in “she scoffed at the proposal.” The adjective "scoffed" is sometimes used informally to describe an insult given in scornful fashion.

The word derives from Middle English scoffen, a verb that was likely borrowed from Old French scuffer or from a Germanic root related to the verb meaning “to bite.” The sense of disdain developed in the 16th century, when "to scoff" was often used by playwrights to denote a dismissive laugh in a dialogue. The noun form entered English in the late 15th century and has been used in literature to indicate a casual refusal or mockery, such as in Shakespeare’s comedies where characters often “scoff” at each other’s claims.

Scoffs appear frequently in idiomatic expressions. The phrase “to scoff at someone’s effort” means to regard their work as unimportant, while “scoffing laughter” is a laugh that belittles rather than celebrates. In contemporary usage, the term is often associated with casual or rhetorical attacks rather than literal sound. The word is also found in recordings of political or social commentary, where it is employed to denigrate policies or actions thought to be foolish.

Throughout popular culture, scoffs are used to portray skepticism or snide humor. Notable literary examples include Jane Austen’s “Emma,” where the protagonist scoffs at her competitors’ matchmaking, and Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” in which Huck’s scoff at social conventions underscores his rebellious nature. In modern media, the term frequently appears in comedy sketches and satirical news to convey a quick dismissal of absurd or pretentious ideas.