goof-off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial, slightly pejorative
Quick answer
What does “goof-off” mean?
A person who avoids work or responsibility.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who avoids work or responsibility; to waste time or avoid work.
The act or behaviour of avoiding one's duties, procrastinating, or engaging in frivolous activities instead of working.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and deeply entrenched in American English. British equivalents would be 'skiver' (noun) or 'skive' (verb), though 'goof-off' is understood. The verb form 'goof off' is more American.
Connotations
In AmE, it often implies playful, childish avoidance. In BrE, when used, it can sound like an Americanism and may carry that cultural association.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE, especially in workplace, school, and military contexts. Low to medium frequency in BrE, where native synonyms are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “goof-off” in a Sentence
Noun: Subject of 'is/be' (He's a goof-off).Phrasal Verb: Intransitive (Don't goof off).Phrasal Verb: Transitive with Preposition 'on' (He's goofing off on his project).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goof-off” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He's a bit of a skiver, a real goof-off when no one's watching.
- The manager had a talk with the department's chief goof-off.
American English
- My brother is a chronic goof-off.
- They fired the biggest goof-off in the office.
verb
British English
- He's always skiving off, or as the Americans say, goofing off.
- If you goof off during training, you won't pass the exam.
American English
- Don't goof off when the boss is around.
- We goofed off all afternoon instead of studying.
adverb
British English
- Not standard usage.
American English
- Not standard usage.
adjective
British English
- (Less common) He's got a real goof-off attitude towards his duties.
American English
- His goof-off behaviour finally caught up with him.
- She was fired for her goof-off antics at work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used, often negatively, to describe an unproductive employee. 'We can't afford any goof-offs on this critical project.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing. Used in spoken contexts among students/teachers about someone not studying. 'He spent the term goofing off and failed.'
Everyday
Very common in informal speech about work, chores, or responsibilities. 'Stop goofing off and mow the lawn!'
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “goof-off”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “goof-off”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goof-off”
- Using 'goof-off' as a transitive verb without a preposition (INCORRECT: 'He goofs-off his job'). Correct: 'He goofs off on his job.'
- Confusing it with 'goof up' (to make a mistake).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and pejorative, but not a severe insult. It suggests immaturity and irresponsibility. Using it to someone's face is confrontational.
Yes, the phrasal verb 'goof off' (spaced, sometimes hyphenated) is very common. 'He goofs off every Friday afternoon.'
They are close synonyms. 'Goof-off' often implies more active, playful, or foolish avoidance, while 'slacker' can imply a more passive or apathetic avoidance. 'Goof-off' is also more distinctly American.
The closest British noun is 'skiver'. The closest verb is 'skive' (off). 'He's a skiver.' / 'He's skiving off again.'
A person who avoids work or responsibility.
Goof-off is usually informal, colloquial, slightly pejorative in register.
Goof-off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡuːf ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡuːf ɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Goof-off artist" (an expert at avoiding work).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GOOFy person who is always OFF task.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORK IS A SERIOUS PATH / RESPONSIBILITY IS A BURDEN. Goofing off is metaphorically stepping off that path or setting down the burden to play.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'goof-off' LEAST likely to be used?