PoliticsAugust 16, 2026

scofflaws

SKOF-lawz

Definition

People who habitually ignore, violate, or show contempt for laws or regulations, particularly minor ones.

Etymology

Coined in 1924 during the Prohibition era as the winner of a contest to find a derogatory term for those who ignored the law against alcohol, combining 'scoff' and 'law'.

In the news

The author uses this term to describe drivers who habitually ignore traffic regulations, arguing that enforcement of current laws is preferable to invasive insurance monitoring.

Letters to the Editor, Sunday, Aug. 16

Read the full article ↗

The Press Democrat

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