goof

[goof]

verb (used without object)

1. to blunder; make an error, misjudgment, etc.

2. to waste or kill time; evade work or responsibility (often followed by off oraround ).

   Exam week is not a time to goof off. We goofed around till train time.

verb (used with object)

1. to spoil or make a mess of (something); botch; bungle (often followed byup ).

   You really goofed up the job.

noun

1. a foolish or stupid person.

2. a mistake or blunder, especially one due to carelessness.

3. a source of fun or cause for amusement.

   We short-sheeted his bunk just for a goof.

verb phrase

1. goof on,  to tease, ridicule, or mock; make fun of.

goof

/ ɡuːf /

noun

1. a foolish error or mistake

2. a stupid person

verb

1. to bungle (something); botch

2. (intr; often foll by about or around) to fool (around); mess (about)

3. (tr) to dope with drugs

4. to waste time; idle

Word History and Origins

Origin of goof¹

1915–20; apparently variant of obsolete goff dolt < Middle French goffe awkward, stupid

Word History and Origins

Origin of goof¹

C20: probably from (dialect) goff simpleton, from Old French goffe clumsy, from Italian goffo, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

But unlike these two strong-willed, aggressive characters, A’zion in person exudes the warm, infectious energy of your most fun pal, the one you want to spend all day goofing off with.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

During the case, Varyukhina posted clips on Instagram of the couple goofing around in an apartment and dressing up in funny outfits.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I asked Clark if he was worried that a 58-year-old player would be a distraction to the program, or seen as a goof.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Him acting successful was a goof,” he says.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He goofs off with the ball kids, who are closer in age to him than any of the tennis pooh-bahs in charge.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• err 
• flub 
• screw up