DCHP-3

scoff

DCHP-2 (Oct 2016)
n. — Food, Atlantic Canada

a big meal often containing seafood.

Type: 3. Semantic Change — The term appears to be derived from the Afrikaans schoff 'meal', which in turn is derived from Dutch schoft 'quarter of a day' (see COD-2, s.v "scoff" (2)). Scoff is found in South African English, but only in the meaning of 'meal' (see DSAE, s.v. "scoff"). The meaning listed here, where the term refers to a large meal, often containing seafood and served at parties, appears to be special to Canada. It is well documented in the Dictionary of Newfoundland English (see DNE, s.v. "scoff") and in the Dictionary of Prince Edward Island English (see DPEIE, s.v. "scoff").
See also ITP Nelson, s.v. "scoff" (3), which is marked " Atlantic Canada", COD-2, s.v. "scoff" (2), which is marked "Maritimes & Nfld".
Note that scoff in the sense of any food is widespread. It is merely the special meaning of 'celebratory seafood dinner' that is Atlantic Canadian.

Quotations

1985
Producer Harry Gulkin, best known for the award-winning Canadian classic Lies My Father Told Me, says the premiere will be followed with ''scuff and scoff'' - Newfoundlandese for food and refreshments, in this case, fried cod tongues and screech.
1999
Canada's new kid on the block is 50 years old and celebrating the occasion with the biggest scoff (a celebratory meal) it has ever staged. Newfoundland may be Canada's youngest province, but its heritage and cooking traditions reach back to 1610, ranking it among the oldest in North America.
2001
Established in 1994, the Newfoundland Heritage Society of Calgary has about 250 members. "It is all about people meeting people with a focus on maritime culture and heritage and events we have back on the island," says Hann. In the fall, they celebrate Scoff and Scuss. A "scoff" is a great big festive meal a "scuss" is a little dance.
2009
The Community Kitchen is funded by Service Canada and Housing. A ribbon cutting ceremony and a scoff consisting of local dishes of fish cakes, pea soup, moose soup, corn beef cakes, baked beans and toutons was held to celebrate the opening of the Community Kitchen.
2016
So I hope everyone does enjoy St. Patrick's Day and everyone pays attention and are sure not to drink and drive tonight. Anyone who is going out to enjoy the festivities, make sure you have some rides arranged coming home and I hope you manage to get a great scoff and a scuff tonight.

References

  • DNE
  • DPEIE
  • COD-2
  • ITP Nelson
  • DSAE