1 B2 informal
To damage the surface of an object by scraping, dragging, or bumping it, leaving dull marks
"He scuffed up his new trainers on the first day of school."
separable
scuff up
B2 informal separable transitive
To damage a surface by scraping or rubbing, leaving marks or dulling the finish
In plain English
To make marks or scratches on something smooth, like shoes or a floor, by dragging or bumping it
What does "scuff up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To mark or damage a floor or wall surface by dragging furniture or walking on it carelessly
"Moving the heavy sofa across the room scuffed up the hardwood floor."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To scuff (graze or scrape a surface) and leave marks — fairly transparent
Actually means
To make marks or scratches on something smooth, like shoes or a floor, by dragging or bumping it
Usage tip
Most commonly used about shoes, floors, furniture, and cars. The marks from scuffing are typically dull surface scratches rather than deep cuts. Common in everyday American and British English.
Words that pair with "scuff up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
shoes floor furniture walls paint leather
How to conjugate "scuff up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scuff up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scuffs up
he/she/it
Past simple
scuffed up
yesterday
Past participle
scuffed up
have + pp
-ing form
scuffing up
continuous
Hear "scuff up" in the wild
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