coff: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely low / ArchaicHistorical, dialectal, poetic
Quick answer
What does “coff” mean?
An obsolete or dialect term meaning to buy or to pay for something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An obsolete or dialect term meaning to buy or to pay for something.
In historical contexts, it could also refer to bargaining or dealing, particularly at a market. In modern Scottish dialects, it may survive as 'coff' or 'coffing' for buying livestock.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it might be encountered in historical literature or Scottish dialect. In American English, it is virtually unknown and considered purely archaic.
Connotations
British (dialect/historical): rustic, traditional, commercial transaction. American: non-existent, would likely be misheard as 'cough'.
Frequency
Frequency is effectively zero in both varieties, but marginally higher chance of encounter in UK historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coff” in a Sentence
[Subject] coff [Direct Object] (e.g., He coffed a fine mare.)[Subject] coff [Direct Object] from [Source] (e.g., They coffed the grain from the farmer.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coff” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer went to the fair to coff a new bullock.
- He had saved for years to coff the freehold.
American English
- (Not used in modern AmE. Historical example:) The settler coffed supplies from the trader.
adverb
British English
- (No adverbial use in modern standard English.)
American English
- (No adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- (No adjectival use in modern standard English.)
American English
- (No adjectival use.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic analysis.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coff”
- Using it in modern writing expecting it to be understood.
- Spelling it as 'cough' due to identical pronunciation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is archaic and no longer part of active, standard English vocabulary. It is found in older texts and some dialects.
It is pronounced exactly like the modern word 'cough' (/kɒf/ in British English, /kɑːf/ in American English).
No. Using 'coff' in modern communication will cause confusion. Always use 'buy' or 'purchase'.
It derives from Middle English 'coffen', related to Old Norse 'kaupa' (to buy) and German 'kaufen'. It is a cognate of the modern word 'cheap', which originally meant 'market' or 'price'.
An obsolete or dialect term meaning to buy or to pay for something.
Coff is usually historical, dialectal, poetic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in contemporary use. Historically: 'To coff and carry' meant to buy and take away.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COFF' as an old-fashioned way to say you 'COugh up Funds' to buy something.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMERCIAL EXCHANGE IS ACQUISITION (archaic).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern meaning of the archaic word 'coff'?