goofball

[ goof-bawl ]

noun

, Slang.

1. an extremely incompetent, eccentric, or silly person.
2. a pill containing a barbiturate or a tranquilizing drug.

goofball

/ ˈɡuːfˌbɔːl /

noun

1. a barbiturate sleeping pill
2. a fool

Word History and Origins

Origin of goofball¹

First recorded in 1935–40; goof + ball ¹

Example Sentences

“For one thing, the man's a goofball,” she says.

From BBC

Deters played up his steadfast support for Trump in trying to make inroads against Massie, and he portrayed Massie as a “goofball” lacking accomplishments in Congress.

From Seattle Times

He has portrayed Massie as a “goofball” lacking accomplishments in Congress.

From Seattle Times

The groundbreaking, computer-generated goofball debuted in the first installment of George Lucas’s prequel trilogy, “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace,” and instantly set off widespread criticism from both fans and the press.

From New York Times

Fortunately, there is also enough good-natured goofball humor to keep Gordon Greenberg’s production from sinking into cloying goo.

From New York Times

Related Words

• geek