goofy
|goo-fy|
/ˈɡuːfi/
silly in an affectionate, harmless way
Etymology
'goofy' originates from early 20th-century American English, specifically from the slang noun 'goof' combined with the adjectival suffix '-y' (forming 'goofy'), where 'goof' meant 'a foolish person' in slang.
'goof' appears in U.S. slang in the 1920s meaning 'a fool' or 'a blunder'; the adjective 'goofy' developed from 'goof' soon after. The Disney character 'Goofy' (introduced 1932) helped popularize and cement the word in popular culture.
Initially it meant 'foolish' or 'clumsy'; over time it also acquired a softer, affectionate or comical sense of 'oddly funny' and became associated with the Disney character 'Goofy', which reinforced a playful, harmless meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a foolish or silly person (informal, often mildly teasing).
Don't be a goofy — put your helmet on.
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Noun 2
proper noun: the name of the Disney cartoon character 'Goofy' (capitalized as 'Goofy').
Goofy first appeared in Disney cartoons in the 1930s.
Adjective 1
silly or foolish in a harmless, playful, or mildly absurd way.
He made a goofy face to make the kids laugh.
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Adjective 2
odd, eccentric, or slightly silly in appearance or behavior (often affectionate or benign).
She has a goofy smile that everyone finds endearing.
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Last updated: 2025/11/30 10:54