Spoof Definition

spoof (spf)

n.

1. Nonsense; tomfoolery.

2. A hoax.

3. A gentle satirical imitation; a light parody.

tr.v. spoofed, spoof·ing, spoofs

1. To deceive.

2. To do a spoof of; satirize gently.

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[After Spoof, name of a game invented by Arthur Roberts (1852-1933), British comedian.]

Word History: We are indebted to a British comedian for the word spoof. Sometime in the 19th century Arthur Roberts (1852-1933) invented a game called Spoof, which involved trickery and nonsense. The first recorded reference to the game in 1884 refers to its revival. It was not long before the word spoof took on the general sense "nonsense, trickery," first recorded in 1889. The verb spoof is first recorded in 1889 as well, in the sense "to deceive." These senses are now less widely used than the noun sense "a light parody or satirical imitation," first recorded in 1958, and the verb sense "to satirize gently," first recorded in 1927.

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Spoof has also been used as a less obscene word for fart.

Mostly spoof is used to take something already made, and scarcastically remake it using cosistant humor making fun of the original.