scoff

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To speak about someone or something in a mocking, scornful way.

   Critics scoffed at the idea when it was first announced.

2. 2
   verb

   To eat something quickly and greedily.

   He scoffed all the snacks before anyone else arrived.

3. 3
   noun

   A mocking or scornful remark.

   Her bold plan was met with scoffs from the committee.

From Middle English scof, skof, probably of North Germanic origin. Compare Old Norse skaup, Old Danish skof, Old Frisian skof (“insult, shame”), and Old High German scoph.

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