interjection

boof

Boof (interjection) means used to represent a sudden thud, bang, or collision. Example: “Boof! The door slammed shut in the wind.”

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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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.

· First attested 1970

Class of 1970 boof joined the language around 1970.

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Rhymes for boof

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

See all rhymes for boof →

Frequently asked questions

What does “boof” mean?

The word “boof” means used to represent a sudden thud, bang, or collision. In plain terms, mostly used as a sound effect, or, among kayakers, for a specific technique of skipping over a river drop.

How do you pronounce “boof”?

“Boof” is pronounced boof (/buːf/ in IPA).

How do you use “boof” in a sentence?

Here is “boof” used in a sentence: “Boof! The door slammed shut in the wind.”

What part of speech is “boof”?

Depending on how it is used, “boof” can be an interjection, a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “boof” come from?

The word “boof” dates back to around 1970. 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.

How many meanings does “boof” have?

“Boof” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to represent a sudden thud, bang, or collision.

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