# goof off

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/goof-off
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to waste time

phrasal verb · CEFR B2 · American English · Informal

to spend time doing nothing useful or playing around when you should be working.

For teachers: to engage in idle or frivolous activity to avoid work or responsibility. The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

- The teacher told the students to stop goofing off and finish their math problems.
- The manager noticed that several employees were goofing off in the breakroom instead of preparing for the afternoon presentation.

Usage: This is an intransitive phrasal verb; it cannot be separated and does not take an object.

Teaching tip: While originally American, this is now understood globally. It is very informal and should be avoided in professional emails or academic writing.

## Examples

- Stop goofing off and finish your homework.
- The manager caught the employees goofing off in the break room instead of stocking the shelves.
- While the rest of the department scrambled to meet the deadline, he spent the afternoon goofing off on social media.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'mess around' (similar) or 'procrastinate' (more formal/serious); note that 'goof off' implies a playful or silly lack of focus.

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