doofus

or du·fus

[ doo-fuhs ]

/ ˈdu fəs /

Save This Word!

noun, plural doo·fus·es.

Slang. a foolish or inept person.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Compare goofus.

Origin of doofus

An Americanism daing back to 1960–65; probably alteration of earlier goofus in same sense

Words nearby doofus

doodle, doodlebug, doodlesack, doodly-squat, doo-doo, doofus, Doohan, doohickey, dook, dooket, doolally

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use doofus in a sentence

As Irons plays him, at least until the movie’s swerving finale, this PM is a likable doofus, certain that any problem can be solved with a handshake and a cup of tea.
Historical Drama Munich: The Edge of War Is the Ultimate Dad Movie—In the Best Way|Stephanie Zacharek|January 21, 2022|Time
This book is about how to be a better parent, how to truly make space for your kids and, yes, how to redefine your role as a father as our society evolves past the old tropes of masculinity and the doofus dad.
How to be a feminist dad|Amy Joyce|June 17, 2021|Washington Post
I hope that its success encourages others to look beyond the tired “doofus dad” tropes.
Move Over, Ladies: Dove Does Dads|Andy Hinds|June 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As for the current team ... Mitt Romney: too much of a doofus.
Squishes, Step Aside: Ted Cruz and Chris Christie’s Old-School Manliness|Michelle Cottle|May 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST

To this point, the Delaware doofus always seemed cloaked in an invincible air of likeability.
Joe Biden’s Rude Debate Laughter: The Joke’s on Him|Michael Medved|October 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
“OK, I feel like a doofus, but I cried through like half of that thing,” she admitted.
Watch Crying ‘Harry Potter’ Fans|The Daily Beast|July 16, 2011|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for doofus

doofus

/ (ˈduːfəs) /

noun

informal, mainly US a slow-witted or stupid person

Word Origin for doofus

C20: from Black slang

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012