scuff
scuff Lexical Profile
scuff Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A mark, graze, or superficial scratch left on a smooth surface by scraping or rubbing against something.
"A quick application of polish removed the dark scuff on the toe of her leather boot."
An act or sound of scraping or dragging the feet across the ground while walking.
"He heard the quiet scuff of shoes on the gravel path outside the window."
North American A flat-bottomed, backless slipper that slides onto the foot without a heel strap.
"She slipped her feet into a pair of warm terry-cloth scuffs before walking down to the kitchen."
• verb
To mark, abrade, or roughen a smooth surface by scraping or brushing it against something hard.
"Try not to scuff the newly varnished hardwood floor when you move the heavy armchairs."
To walk without lifting the feet completely, dragging or scraping the soles along the ground.
"The tired child began to scuff along the dusty sidewalk on the way home from school."
British To strike a ball poorly or awkwardly by grazing it or hitting the ground first (in sports such as football, cricket, or golf).
"The striker managed to break past the defenders, only to scuff his shot wide of the goalpost."
• Rhymes for scuff
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 16th century in Scottish and northern English dialects, probably of North Germanic origin and related to Swedish skuffa ('to push or shove') and English shuffle.