English · Word Candidate

goofy

/ˈɡuːfi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: goofier · goofiest · goofies

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Quirky or silly, often in a humorous manner; daft.

AdjectiveRegister: US, informal

Examples

He was lying back in an arm-chair with his mouth open and a sort of goofy expression in his eyes, while a grey-bearded cove in the middle distance watched him with so much dislike that I concluded that Bingo had pinched his favourite seat.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Synonym of goof (“a foolish and/or silly person”).

NounRegister: US, informal

Examples

It was eleven when we reached the mines, on our last drop of gas. High altitude. […] "Now, don't be one of those goofies who think they must be sick, just because they are a few feet up in the air."

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A button (“clothing fastener”) in the shape of a person, object, etc., often collected as a hobby.

NounRegister: US, informal

Examples

No. 2 is a present-day Umbrella, of Modern Plastic. Like most "Goofies," it is found in many colors and color combinations.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

Of a person: having crooked, especially protruding, front teeth; buck-toothed.

AdjectiveRegister: US, informal

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “goofy” mean?

Quirky or silly, often in a humorous manner; daft.

Is “goofy” formal or informal?

goofy is generally US, informal.