ENGLISH
REFERENCE

goofy

adj. · n.
US //ˈɡufi// UK //ɡˈuːfi// goofy
  1. 1 silly or funny (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    silly, funny, or a bit strange in a way that makes people smile.

    characterised by harmless silliness, eccentricity, or a lack of seriousness.

    Example

    He wore a goofy hat with ears to the party to make the kids laugh.

    Example

    The comedian's goofy persona masked a sharp wit, allowing him to deliver biting social commentary under the guise of harmless slapstick.

    Usage

    Often used to describe facial expressions, clothing, or lighthearted behaviour.
  2. 2 board sports stance (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Sport

    riding a skateboard, surfboard, or snowboard with your right foot at the front.

    referring to a stance in board sports where the rider leads with the right foot rather than the more common left foot.

    Example

    I realized I was a goofy rider the first time I tried to stand on a skateboard.

    Example

    While most professionals ride regular, several iconic skaters are famous for their goofy stance, which can influence how they approach certain park features.

    Usage

    Almost exclusively used in the context of skateboarding, snowboarding, or surfing.
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  1. 3 a silly person (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal American English

    a person who acts in a silly or clumsy way.

    an individual who behaves in a silly, awkward, or eccentric manner.

    Example

    Stop being such a goofy and help me carry these boxes.

    Example

    Though he was a brilliant engineer, his colleagues affectionately regarded him as a bit of a goofy due to his constant practical jokes.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, 'goofball' or 'goof' is more common as a noun than 'goofy'.
Etymology 1

From goof + -y.

Etymology 2

From the way the Disney character Goofy was depicted surfing in 1937's Hawaiian Holiday, with right foot forward.

Word family

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