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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
DUFF, v.
1. To draw back from a bargain or undertaking (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; 1925 E. C. Smith Braid Haaick 10; Rxb.5 1940). Also used with on (Watson). Also found in n.Eng. dial.
2. "To refrain from exerting oneself to win a race, etc." (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).
[Prob. a back-formation from duffer: cf. slang Eng. duff, to cheat, and duff, to mis-hit a ball (in golf).]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Duff v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 17 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/duff_v>
