interjection

boof

interjection

Used to represent a sudden thud, bang, or collision.

"Boof! The door slammed shut in the wind."

noun

In whitewater kayaking, a move where the paddler skips the boat across the top of a drop instead of diving into the water below.

"She timed her boof perfectly to clear the hole at the base of the falls."

verb

To perform this kayaking move.

"He boofed the ledge and paddled on without missing a stroke."

How to Use Boof

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMostly used as a sound effect, or, among kayakers, for a specific technique of skipping over a river drop.

When to use it

The kayaking sense is a niche sporting term; the interjection is informal and playful.

Word Forms

boofed past tense, boofed past tense, boofed past tense, boofed past tense, boofs plural, boofs singular, boofs singular, boofs singular, boofs singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____! The door slammed shut in the wind.

Etymology

An imitative word, mimicking the sound a kayak makes landing flat on the water after clearing a drop; the sport usage grew out of whitewater kayaking circles in the US in the 1970s.

Rhymes for boof

oof roof goof poof hoof woof aloof proof spoof sunroof foolproof fireproof

See all rhymes for boof →