oaf
12 synonyms for oaf, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A clumsy, foolish, or unrefined person.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use oaf
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
clumsy oaf
great oaf
Etymology
A variant of the older word "auf", probably from Old Norse alfr ("elf") — originally used for a changeling child left by fairies, later broadening to any clumsy or foolish person.
Full origin of oaf →Frequently asked questions
What does “oaf” mean?
The word “oaf” means a clumsy, foolish, or unrefined person. In plain terms, a clumsy, dim-witted, or badly-mannered person.
How do you pronounce “oaf”?
“Oaf” is pronounced ohf (/oʊf/ in IPA).
How do you use “oaf” in a sentence?
Here is “oaf” used in a sentence: “The clumsy oaf knocked the vase off the table.”
What is another word for “oaf”?
Words with a similar meaning to “oaf” include galoot, imbecile, lout, moron and fool.
What part of speech is “oaf”?
“Oaf” is a noun.
Where does the word “oaf” come from?
The word “oaf” comes from Old Norse. A variant of the older word "auf", probably from Old Norse alfr ("elf") — originally used for a changeling child left by fairies, later broadening to any clumsy or foolish person.
