daft

Everyday

1. (informal, UK) Daft means silly or foolish. tree →
2. (informal, UK) Daft about something means very keen on it: "She's daft about horses." tree →
3. (informal, UK) A daft idea is one that does not make sense. tree →

In the lessons

Very common in friendly British, Irish, Australian and New Zealand speech; often affectionate, not very rude. Parents and teachers say "Don't be daft!" meaning "That's silly". Phrases: «Don't be daft», «daft as a brush», «daft idea», «daft about».

Examples

• Don't be daft, of course you can come! tree →
• That was a daft thing to do. tree →
• He's daft about football. tree →
• It's a daft idea to swim in a storm. tree →
• My dog is as daft as a brush. tree →
• "Did you think I was angry?" "Don't be daft!" tree →
• We laughed at the daft jokes in the comic. tree →

Note

Informal, mainly British. Comparatives: dafter, daftest. Mild and usually friendly; saying it to someone in a mean way can still hurt. Close words: silly, foolish, barmy (UK), goofy (US).