goof
C1Informal, colloquial.
Definition
Meaning
A silly or stupid mistake; a foolish person.
To make a silly mistake; to behave in a foolish or clownish manner. Also used as a verb meaning to waste time or mess around (e.g., 'goof off').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is lighthearted and humorous, not harshly critical. It implies a mistake stemming from carelessness or foolishness rather than malice or deep incompetence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both noun and verb forms are understood and used in both varieties, but the noun form is perhaps more common in UK English, while the verb forms 'goof (up)' and 'goof off' are more strongly associated with American English.
Connotations
Slightly more American in flavour; a British speaker might opt for 'blunder', 'gaffe', or 'cock-up' (very informal) in more formal contexts where 'goof' feels too informal or American.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, especially in phrases like 'goof off', 'goof around', 'goof up'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] goofs (up)[Subject] is a goof[Subject] made a goofVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “goof off (to avoid work/be lazy)”
- “goof up (to make a mistake)”
- “goof around (to joke/behave playfully)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in very informal internal communications ('That report had a major goof on page 3.').
Academic
Extremely rare and inappropriate for formal writing.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation to describe minor, humorous mistakes or foolish behaviour.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Don't goof around during the safety briefing.
- I've completely goofed the dates for the meeting.
American English
- He spent the afternoon goofing off instead of studying.
- The quarterback goofed up the final play of the game.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Goofily' exists but is rare.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Goofily' exists but is rare.)
adjective
British English
- He gave a goofy smile after his little goof.
- (Note: 'goofy' is the standard adjective, not 'goof')
American English
- That was such a goof mistake on my part.
- (Note: 'goofy' or 'silly' is more standard; 'goof' as an attributive adjective is rare)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Oh no, I made a goof with my homework.
- My brother is being a goof.
- It was just a silly goof, nothing serious.
- Stop goofing around and help me!
- The admin goof led to a delay in processing the applications.
- He's always goofing off when the boss isn't looking.
- The film's historical inaccuracy was a major goof that critics pointed out.
- The contractor goofed up the measurements, so the cabinet didn't fit.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cartoon character, like Goofy, making a silly mistake and saying 'Oops!' – that's a 'goof'.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOLISHNESS IS CLOWNISH BEHAVIOUR / A MISTAKE IS A TRIP OR FALL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'глупец' (glupets) which is more severe and literary. 'Ляп' (lyap) or 'промах' (promakh) are closer in casual tone.
- Do not confuse with 'goofy' (the adjective meaning silly) or 'goofball' (a silly person).
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing 'goof' (noun) with 'goof off' (verb phrase).
- Overusing it for serious errors.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase means 'to avoid work or responsibilities'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and playful, not offensive. It's used for light-hearted criticism among friends or colleagues.
'Mistake' is neutral and can be serious. 'Goof' implies a silly, careless, and often minor mistake with a humorous connotation.
Yes, commonly in American English. 'To goof' means to make a mistake, and 'to goof off/around' means to waste time or behave playfully.
It originated in American English and is still more frequent there, especially the verb forms. It is understood but used less often in UK English.