goofus
Americannoun
PLURAL
goofusesEtymology
Origin of goofus
An Americanism dating back to 1915–20; of uncertain origin; perhaps a derivative of goof ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I think they’re cute. Not nostalgic like the traditional characters, but still cute,” wrote user u/goofus_andgallant on Reddit.
From Salon
He does so with an air of entitled smarm, as if Goofus had disguised himself as Gallant and turned to inept virtue signaling to complete the ruse.
From Slate
The inherent “do this, not that” of “Dinner Party” is reminiscent of the “Highlights for Children” comic strip “Goofus and Gallant,” which debuted in print in 1948, just three years after the video’s release.
From Salon
“If Goofus is rude, Gallant is polite. If Goofus lies, Gallant tells the truth.”
From Salon
“Again and again, I saw Goofus pocket lost money while Gallant chased down the owner,” she wrote.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
