adj
Uncommon
goofy
GOO-fee
Goofy (adj) means Silly, quirky, or good-naturedly ridiculous. Example: “He has this goofy grin whenever he's embarrassed.”
adj
1
Silly, quirky, or good-naturedly ridiculous.
"He has this goofy grin whenever he's embarrassed."
"They made a goofy home video for her birthday."
2
Riding a skateboard, snowboard, or surfboard with the right foot forward.
"She rides goofy, unlike most of her friends."
How to use goofy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSilly and endearing — or, in board sports, riding with the right foot leading instead of the left.
Common mistake
In skateboarding/snowboarding, don't confuse "goofy" (right foot forward) with "regular" (left foot forward) stance.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- goofies
- Comparative
- goofier
- Superlative
- goofiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He has this _____ grin whenever he's embarrassed.
Etymology
From "goof" plus the adjective suffix "-y."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “goofy” mean?
The word “goofy” means silly, quirky, or good-naturedly ridiculous. In plain terms, silly and endearing — or, in board sports, riding with the right foot leading instead of the left.
How do you pronounce “goofy”?
“Goofy” is pronounced GOO-fee (/ˈɡufi/ in IPA).
How do you use “goofy” in a sentence?
Here is “goofy” used in a sentence: “He has this goofy grin whenever he's embarrassed.”
What part of speech is “goofy”?
“Goofy” is an adjective.
Is “goofy” a common word?
“Goofy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “goofy” have?
“Goofy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: silly, quirky, or good-naturedly ridiculous.
What is the difference between "goofy" and "silly"?
Both words describe playful or ridiculous behavior, but "goofy" often carries a more affectionate, good-natured quality, describing someone who is quirky or clumsy in a charming way, while "silly" can be slightly more neutral or even mildly critical. "Goofy" tends to suggest endearing awkwardness rather than simple foolishness.
What does "goofy foot" mean in skateboarding or surfing?
"Goofy" describes riding a skateboard, snowboard, or surfboard with the right foot forward, as opposed to the more common "regular" stance with the left foot forward. It refers purely to stance, not skill level.
Is "goofy" an informal word?
Yes, "goofy" is informal and conversational, commonly used to describe someone's silly appearance, expression, or behavior in a light-hearted way. It would sound out of place in formal or technical writing.
