"hoax, deception," 1889, from spouf (1884), name of a game invented by British comedian Arthur Roberts (1852-1933). Sense of "a parody, satirical skit or play" is first recorded 1958, from verb in this sense (1914).

1889, "to hoax, deceive, trick;" from 1914 as "to parody or satirize;" see spoof, n.. Related: Spoofed; spoofing.