goofball: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium in informal contextsInformal, slang
Quick answer
What does “goofball” mean?
A silly or foolish person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A silly or foolish person.
Slang for a barbiturate or tranquilizer pill, especially when used recreationally.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, but the term is more entrenched in American English.
Connotations
Generally informal and slightly humorous in both.
Frequency
More frequently used in American English than in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “goofball” in a Sentence
be a goofballcall someone a goofballconsider someone a goofballVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goofball” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's known for his goofball sense of humour.
American English
- She enjoys his goofball antics at parties.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely, if ever, used in business contexts due to its informal and playful nature.
Academic
Not used in formal academic writing; inappropriate for scholarly discourse.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation among friends and family to describe silly behavior.
Technical
No technical usage; primarily a colloquial term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goofball”
- Using 'goofball' as a verb, e.g., 'He goofballs around' – correct is 'He acts like a goofball'.
- Confusing with 'goofy', which is an adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is often used affectionately to describe someone who is harmlessly silly or funny, especially among friends and family.
It can be, depending on context. If used to imply genuine stupidity, it might be derogatory, but in playful contexts, it's usually not offensive.
It derives from 'goof', meaning a foolish person or mistake, and 'ball', possibly from the idea of a round object or a person, emerging in early 20th century American slang.
'Goofball' is a noun referring to a person, while 'goofy' is an adjective describing someone or something as silly or eccentric.
A silly or foolish person.
Goofball is usually informal, slang in register.
Goofball: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡuːf.bɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡuːf.bɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play the goofball”
- “be a goofball at heart”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'goof' meaning to make a mistake or act silly, and 'ball' as in a person, like a 'ball of energy' – together, a person who is a ball of silliness.
Conceptual Metaphor
A person as a container of foolishness; silliness as a physical object embodied in a person.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'goofball'?