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Scoff vs Smirk - What's the difference?

scoff | smirk |

As nouns the difference between scoff and smirk

is that scoff is derision; ridicule; a derisive or mocking expression of scorn, contempt, or reproach while smirk is an uneven, often crooked smile that is insolent, self-satisfied or scornful.

As verbs the difference between scoff and smirk

is that scoff is to jeer; laugh at with contempt and derision while smirk is to smile in a way that is affected, smug, insolent or contemptuous.

As an adjective smirk is

smart; spruce; affected; simpering.

scoff

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) scof/skof, of Scandinavian origin. Compare (etyl) skaup, Danish skuffelse(noun)/skuffe(verb) and Old High German scoph.

Noun

(en noun)
  • Derision; ridicule; a derisive or mocking expression of scorn, contempt, or reproach.
  • * Shakespeare
    • With scoffs , and scorns, and contumelious taunts.
  • * 1852 , The Dublin University Magazine (page 66)
    • There were sneers, and scoffs , and inuendoes of some; prophecies of failure in a hundred ways
  • An object of scorn, mockery, or derision.
  • * Cowper
    • The scoff of withered age and beardless youth.
    Synonyms
    * derision, ridicule * See also

    Verb

  • To jeer; laugh at with contempt and derision.
  • * Goldsmith
    • Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway, / And fools who came to scoff , remained to pray.
    Synonyms
    * contemn, deride, sneer

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl).

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (South Africa) Food.

    • Verb

  • (British) To eat food quickly.
  • (South Africa) To eat.
    • Synonyms
    * (eat quickly) (l), (l) (US)

    See also

    * scuff

    smirk

    English

    (wikipedia smirk)

    Alternative forms

    *

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An uneven, often crooked smile that is insolent, self-satisfied or scornful.
  • A forced or affected smile; a simper.
  • * Sir Walter Scott
    • The bride, all smirk and blush, had just entered.

    Derived terms

    * smirker * smirkily * smirkingly * smirky

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To smile in a way that is affected, smug, insolent or contemptuous.

    • Synonyms

    * simper * shit-eating grin (vulgar)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) smart; spruce; affected; simpering
  • * Spenser
    • So smirk , so smooth.