Pronunciation: [kˈastɒfs] (IPA) 
The word "castoffs" refers to things that have been discarded or given away. It is spelled with a "c", as in "cat", followed by "as" pronounced /æz/ and then "tofs" pronounced /ˈkæstɔfs/. The "s" at the end is added to indicate that it is plural. The "a" in "cast" is pronounced like "ah" as in "father", while the "o" in "tofs" is pronounced like "aw" as in "law". In terms of spelling, "castoffs" is a combination of "cast" and "offs".
Castoffs, a noun, refers to items or objects that have been discarded or thrown away by its original owner as they are no longer wanted or needed. These items are typically deemed as no longer useful or desirable by their previous possessors and are thus abandoned or given away. Castoffs can encompass a wide range of things including clothing, furniture, appliances, equipment, or any other kind of possessions that have been discarded.
The term "castoffs" can also be used metaphorically to describe people who have been rejected or abandoned by society, relationships, or organizations, often due to their perceived lack of value or importance. It pertains to individuals who have been discarded or disregarded, often leaving them feeling unwanted or disregarded.
Castoffs can also be seen as a valuable resource to others who may find use or value in these discarded items. They can be repurposed, reused, or given a second life through recycling, donating, or upcycling. Many organizations and initiatives focus on collecting and redistributing castoffs to people in need, contributing both to environmental sustainability and addressing social inequality.
In summary, castoffs are objects or individuals that have been abandoned or discarded for various reasons, often due to their perceived lack of value or usefulness. The term encompasses a wide range of discarded possessions, and also represents people who feel rejected or abandoned by society. Depending on the context, the concept of castoffs can carry both negative connotations as well as potential for positive transformations and second chances.
The word "castoffs" is derived from the verb "cast off", which dates back to the 14th century in Middle English. "Cast off" originally meant to discard or throw something away. The term "cast" in this context refers to the act of throwing or tossing an item. Over time, "cast off" came to be used specifically in the context of discarding or getting rid of unwanted clothing or belongings. The noun form, "castoffs", therefore, refers to the items that have been cast off or discarded.
