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

Soft-spoken, with jittery knees and scuffed Converse sneakers, Calderon could easily be the face of the lawsuit moving through federal court.

From Los Angeles Times

Their complex armor is laden with fur, horsehair or leather, which was hand painted to look like scuffed metal, but weigh much less.

From Los Angeles Times

Gold, 54, wore a fringed leather jacket decorated with beads, a straw cowboy hat with a leather band and scuffed Western boots.

From Seattle Times

She hated my huaraches and scuffed shoes, and always insisted on ironing my clothes even after I learned how to do so.

From Los Angeles Times

Ask the seller for more pictures of interior scuffs, door dings and scratches.

From Seattle Times