How to pronounce scofflaw
Say it like SKAW-flaw. Scofflaw has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKAW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce scofflaw. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKAW
- flaw
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Scofflaw pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKAWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- flawGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of scofflaw
American and British speakers say scofflaw in essentially the same way: /ˈskɔˌflɔ/ in the US and /ˈskɒˌflɔː/ in the UK.
British respelling: SKOF-law.
What does scofflaw mean?
- a criminal or lawbreaker, especially one who is openly contemptuous or dismissive of current laws or displays conspicuous or outward disrespect, distain, or disregard for the law
- One who habitually violates minor laws or fails to answer trivial court summonses (such as parking tickets).
Where does scofflaw come from?
From scoff + law. Coined simultaneously by Mr Henry Irving Dale and Miss Kate L.
Questions about saying scofflaw
How do you pronounce scofflaw?
Say SKAW-flaw. The American pronunciation is /ˈskɔˌflɔ/. In British English it is /ˈskɒˌflɔː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in scofflaw?
Scofflaw has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKAW). Broken into parts: SKAW · flaw.
Do Americans and Brits say scofflaw the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈskɔˌflɔ/ and the British form is /ˈskɒˌflɔː/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.