spoof

Everyday

1. A spoof is a funny copy of something, such as a film, song or advert, that makes fun of it by exaggerating it. tree →
2. (verb) To spoof something is to make that kind of funny copy. tree →
3. (computers) Spoofing is pretending to be someone else online, for example sending an email that looks as if it comes from your bank or school, to trick people. tree →
4. (informal) A spoof can also be a trick or hoax. tree →

In the lessons

In English and media lessons spoofs are a kind of parody, and the word tells the reader something is meant as a joke. In online safety lessons spoofed emails, websites and phone numbers are a warning sign of scams: check the sender and never give passwords. Phrases: "a spoof of", "spoof video", "spoof email", "spoofed number".

Examples

• The film is a spoof of old superhero movies. tree →
• Our class made a spoof news report for fun. tree →
• Comedians love to spoof politicians. tree →
• That email is a spoof; it isn't really from the bank. tree →
• Scammers spoofed the school's phone number. tree →
• It was only a spoof, but some people believed it. tree →
• The song spoofs famous pop stars. tree →

Note

Countable: a spoof, spoofs; verb regular: spoofed. Close words: parody, send-up, hoax. A spoof is meant to be funny; a spoofed email is meant to trick, which is dangerous.