scuff

[ skuhf ]

verb (used with object)

1. to scrape (something) with one's foot or feet.
2. to rub or scrape (one's foot or feet) over something.
3. to mar by scraping or hard use, as shoes or furniture.
4. Chiefly Scot.
   1. to brush against, as in passing.
   2. to brush off; wipe off.

verb (used without object)

1. to walk without raising the feet from the ground; shuffle.
2. to scrape or rub one's foot back and forth over something.
3. to be or become marred or scratched by scraping or wear.
4. (of machine parts, as gear teeth) to creep from pressure and friction so that ridges appear transversely to the direction of wear.

noun

1. the act or sound of scuffing.
2. a flat-heeled slipper with a full-length sole and an upper part covering only the front of the foot.
3. a marred or scratched place on an item, as from scraping or wear.

scuff

/ skʌf /

verb

1. to scrape or drag (the feet) while walking
2. to rub or scratch (a surface) or (of a surface) to become rubbed or scratched
3. tr to poke at (something) with the foot

noun

1. the act or sound of scuffing
2. a rubbed place caused by scuffing
3. a backless slipper

Word History and Origins

Origin of scuff¹

First recorded in 1585–95, scuff is from the Middle Low German word schūven to shove

Word History and Origins

Origin of scuff¹

C19: probably of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Their dents, scuffs and scratches appear like wrinkles in a well-done portrait, delicately drawn by time, evidence of wisdom and durability rather than decline.

From Washington Post

It can stand up against most scuffs and bumps, but it’s not indestructible.

From Popular-Science

An integrated, rubberized chainstay and down-tube protection were added to reduce potential damage in these usual spots, and a clear 3M strip keeps the upper down tube safe from tailgate scuffs.

From Outside Online

If it will make it easier for you to locate your footwear, keeps it safe from scuffs and damage, and is within your budget—and you don’t hate how it looks—then that’s the best one for you!

From Popular-Science

Stretch gaiters stop the snow from sneaking in and reinforced scuff guards provide additional durability.

From Popular-Science

You need some scuff marks from the great merry-go-round we call life.

From The Daily Beast

Scuff it up, patinate it, so that it feels more physically, viscerally real, and a little less perfect.

From The Daily Beast

There was a pause during which she continued to scuff the curbstone with her shoe, Jane likewise scuffing the fence-picket.

From Project Gutenberg

What joy it was to us to scuff through the painted fallen leaves and send them flying like showers of jewels before us!

From Project Gutenberg

And you could scuff when you walked and pile up fallen leaves from the grass and roll in them.

From Project Gutenberg

Rose heard her through, and then very kindly informed her that "she was a fool to care for such a rough-scuff."

From Project Gutenberg

They are like pebbles in our pathway; sometimes we never even see them, but carelessly scuff them aside as we walk.

From Project Gutenberg