goofy

Everyday

1. (informal) Silly, clumsy and funny in a harmless way. tree →
2. (informal) Having big, sticking-out front teeth: a goofy grin. tree →
3. (a name) Goofy, the tall, clumsy Disney cartoon dog. tree →
4. (surfing, skateboarding) Goofy-footed: riding with the right foot forward. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday North American, Australian and British talk, «goofy» is a friendly word for being silly or making a funny face. In stories it describes a fun, clumsy character. In skateboarding and surfing, «goofy» or «regular» tells which foot is in front. Phrases: a goofy grin, goofy dance, goofy-footed.

Examples

• My dad does a goofy dance at weddings. tree →
• She made a goofy face for the class photo. tree →
• Goofy and Mickey went fishing in the cartoon. tree →
• We laughed at his goofy jokes all day. tree →
• I skate goofy, with my right foot forward. tree →
• The puppy is goofy and keeps tripping over its ears. tree →

Note

Informal: avoid in formal writing. Comparative: goofier, goofiest. Usually not mean, but «goofy teeth» can hurt someone's feelings. The verb «goof» or «goof up» means to make a silly mistake (US).