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Scold vs Scoff - What's the difference?

scold | scoff |

As nouns the difference between scold and scoff

is that scold is (obsolete) a person fond of abusive language, in particular a troublesome and angry woman while scoff is derision; ridicule; a derisive or mocking expression of scorn, contempt, or reproach or scoff can be (south africa) food.

As verbs the difference between scold and scoff

is that scold is to rebuke while scoff is to jeer; laugh at with contempt and derision or scoff can be (british) to eat food quickly.

scold

English

Alternative forms

* scould (obsolete)

Noun

(en noun)
  • (obsolete) A person fond of abusive language, in particular a troublesome and angry woman.

    • Related terms

    * scold's bridle

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To rebuke.
  • * 1813 , (Pride and Prejudice) , (Jane Austen)
    • A week elapsed before she could see Elizabeth without scolding her —
  • *
    • Molly the dairymaid came a little way from the rickyard, and said she would pluck the pigeon that very night after work. She was always ready to do anything for us boys; and we could never quite make out why they scolded her so for an idle hussy indoors. It seemed so unjust. Looking back, I recollect she had very beautiful brown eyes.

    Synonyms

    * objurgate * rebuke * threap * See also

    Anagrams

    * clods, colds

    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