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 or around ):

   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 by up ):

   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. Slang. 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. introften foll byoff 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

The brothers had long goofed around playing football in the backyard, even devising creative games while bouncing on the trampoline.

From Los Angeles Times

But back then, it was just a couple of poker buddies goofing off.

From Los Angeles Times

Which is how something like “Hit Man,” which seems at first glance like a goof, also can consider some of the deepest mysteries of the human condition.

From Los Angeles Times

Victory goes to the fastest canine, with penalties for any goofs in clearing the obstacles.

From Seattle Times

“Yes, ma’am. Got promoted last week. They messed up, letting me and Marlon goof off out here.”

From Literature

Related Words

• err
• flub
• screw up