goof off

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To dawdle, lollygag; to waste time aimlessly or engage in idle activity or inactivity.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used Australian English

Examples

He sat there goofing off all day instead of working.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To make a mistake.

Register: dated, slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To fall asleep or pass out on drugs.

Register: dated, slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “goof off” mean?

To dawdle, lollygag; to waste time aimlessly or engage in idle activity or inactivity.

Is “goof off” formal or informal?

goof off is generally slang.