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".
See also: time flipper pie
- 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.