scuff up
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To make marks or scratches on something smooth, like shoes or a floor, by dragging or bumping it
Literal meaning: To scuff (graze or scrape a surface) and leave marks — fairly transparent
Meanings
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."
Grammar: separable
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."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
shoes floor furniture walls paint leather
Forms
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
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