goof

American  

[goof] / guf /

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.

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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 British  

/ ɡuːf /

noun

1. a foolish error or mistake

2. a stupid person

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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

Etymology

Origin of goof

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

Example Sentences

The important question for people who want the truth is what any particular goof says about the underlying ballots, and whether it involves enough votes to be decisive.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From 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.

From 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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• err
• flub
• screw up