goof-off

[ goof-awf, -of ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a person who habitually shirks work or responsibility; idler.

Word History and Origins

Origin of goof-off¹

First recorded in 1950–55; noun use of verb phrase goof off

Example Sentences

It’s a cozy goof-off show, where characters make jokes for one another’s benefit, not the audience’s.

From New York Times

The entire point of casual contests at work is camaraderie and goof-off time.

From New York Times

An adult goof-off goes back to elementary school in order to run his father’s company.

From Los Angeles Times

Beetle’s cast includes the title character, a lanky goof-off whose eyes are always covered by the visor of his hat or helmet; his rotund nemesis, Sgt.

From Washington Post

He’s smart, but he acts like a goof-off.

From Literature