noun

doofus

DOO-fuhs

Doofus (noun) means a foolish, clumsy, or silly person. Example: “I locked my keys in the car again — what a doofus.”

noun

A foolish, clumsy, or silly person.

"I locked my keys in the car again — what a doofus."

"Stop acting like a doofus and read the instructions."

How to use doofus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn affectionate or mildly mocking word for someone acting foolish.

When to use it

Informal and usually good-humoured rather than genuinely insulting.

Easily confused with

goofus

doofuses plural, doofi plural

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I locked my keys in the car again — what a _____.

Probably an alteration of the 1920s slang word "goofus," shaped by a Scots word meaning "simpleton."

· First attested 1920

Class of 1920 doofus joined the language around 1920.

beautician bingo capacitor genome hipster

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dimwit nitwit half-wit

idiot fool dope dimwit nitwit diminutive cretin dunce

What does “doofus” mean?

The word “doofus” means a foolish, clumsy, or silly person. In plain terms, an affectionate or mildly mocking word for someone acting foolish.

How do you pronounce “doofus”?

“Doofus” is pronounced DOO-fuhs (/ˈduːfəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “doofus” in a sentence?

Here is “doofus” used in a sentence: “I locked my keys in the car again — what a doofus.”

What part of speech is “doofus”?

“Doofus” is a noun.

Where does the word “doofus” come from?

The word “doofus” dates back to around 1920. Probably an alteration of the 1920s slang word "goofus," shaped by a Scots word meaning "simpleton.".

idiot fool dope dimwit nitwit diminutive cretin dunce