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
1
A foolish, clumsy, or silly person.
"They weren't excited about acquiring new information; they were relieved to find out they aren't the only doofuses (or maybe the word is "doofi") in the world of rusty machinery."
— Roger L. Welsch, Love (2000)
"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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- doofuses, doofi
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I locked my keys in the car again — what a _____.
Etymology
Probably an alteration of the 1920s slang word "goofus," shaped by a Scots word meaning "simpleton."
Class of 1920
doofus joined the language around 1920.
See the full Class of 1920 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
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.".
