scoff down

/skɒf daʊn/
phrasal_verbIntermediatephrasal verb
informal

to eat something very quickly and often without much enjoyment

She scoffed down her breakfast while reading the news.

She ate her breakfast very quickly while reading the news.

The kids scoffed down their ice cream before it melted.

The kids ate their ice cream very quickly to prevent it from melting.

💡

This phrase is often used to describe eating in a hurried or careless manner.

Collocations

scoff down foodeat food quickly and greedilyscoff down a mealeat a meal very quickly

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

wolf downphrasal verb
to eat something very quickly
gobble upphrasal verb
to eat something quickly and greedily

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use 'scoff down' when describing someone eating quickly, often in a negative or humorous context.

Gold Rule

Informal Usage

This phrase is informal and should be used in casual conversations rather than formal writing.

📖Word Origin

The verb 'scoff' comes from Middle English 'scoven' meaning to mock or scorn, but in this context, it has evolved to mean eating quickly and greedily. The phrase 'scoff down' combines this with the preposition 'down' to emphasize the speed and manner of eating.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is informal and often used in casual conversation to describe eating quickly, sometimes without much enjoyment. It can have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the person is eating in a rushed or careless manner.

Word Breakdown

scoff
to eat quickly and greedily
verb
+
down
emphasizes the speed and manner of eating
preposition
English Dictionary