spoof

UK: /ˈspuːf/ US: /spuf/ ,(spo̅o̅f )

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

spoof /spuf/   n. [countable]

1. a lighthearted imitation of someone or something:
   The TV show started with a spoof of a film classic.
2. a hoax;
   prank.

v. 

3. to mock (something or someone) lightly and good-humoredly: [~ + object]
   They spoofed a famous love scene from the film.
   [no object]
   They were only spoofing; nothing was serious.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

spoof  (spo̅o̅f ), n. 

1. a mocking imitation of someone or something, usually light and good-humored;
   lampoon or parody:
   The show was a spoof of college life.
2. a hoax;
   prank.

v.t. 

3. to mock (something or someone) lightly and good-humoredly;
   kid.
4. to fool by a hoax;
   play a trick on, esp. one intended to deceive.

v.i. 

5. to scoff at something lightly and good-humoredly;
   kid:
   The campus paper was always spoofing about the regulations.

• after a game invented and named by Arthur Roberts (1852–1933), British comedian 1885–90

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

spoof / spuːf/ noun

1. a mildly satirical mockery or parody; lampoon
2. a good-humoured deception or trick; prank

verb

1. to indulge in a spoof of (a person or thing)

Etymology: 19th Century: coined by A. Roberts (1852–1933), English comedian, to designate a game of his own invention

ˈspoofer noun