General
goof
What does goof mean?
In Canadian prisons this isn't the harmless word it is outside. 'Goof' is the worst thing you can call another inmate — it accuses them of being a rat, a skinner, or generally beneath contempt. It's a fighting word in the literal sense: if you're called a goof and don't swing, the wing assumes the label fits.
"He called him a goof in front of everyone, so the fight was happening whether either of them wanted it or not."
Origin
General English 'goof' (a silly person), repurposed in Canadian prison culture as the maximum insult. Documented heavily in Canadian corrections research and true-crime writing.
Frequently asked questions
What does goof mean in Canadian prison slang?
In Canadian prisons, goof is the ultimate insult, accusing you of being a rat or a sex offender.
Is goof offensive in prison?
Yes — inside Canadian prisons it's one of the most serious insults you can use and can provoke violence.
How do you use goof in a sentence?
"Calling someone a goof in there will start a fight."
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