Scuff means to scrape or scratch a surface, usually by dragging your feet or bumping something against it. When you scuff your new shoes by dragging them across concrete, you wear away a bit of the material and leave marks. When a basketball player scuffs the gym floor by pivoting hard, their sneakers leave black streaks on the polished wood.

A scuff (as a noun) is the mark or scratch itself. You might notice scuff marks on a wall where furniture bumped against it, or on the floor where people have dragged chairs. Scuffs usually don't cause serious damage, but they do make things look worn or messy. Parents often remind kids not to scuff their good shoes, which is hard to remember when you're kicking rocks or playing tag.

The word can also describe a particular way of walking: to scuff along means to walk without lifting your feet properly, dragging them across the ground. Someone feeling tired or discouraged might scuff down the hallway, feet barely leaving the floor.