goof off — to spend time doing silly or unproductive things instead of working or studying
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to spend time doing silly or unproductive things instead of working or studying
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡuːf ɔːf/
Example Sentences
- My teenage son spends all weekend goofing off instead of cleaning his room.
- The employees were caught goofing off on social media during work hours.
- I know I should study, but I can't help goofing off when the weather is so nice.
goof off
VERB[/ɡuːf ɔːf/]
to spend time doing silly or unproductive things instead of working or studying
The intern decides to goof off, spinning in his chair while deadlines pile up.
Goof off on the roof, leaving homework as proof!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Emerging in 1920s American slang, 'goof off' derives from 'goof,' a term possibly influenced by the Disney cartoon character Goofy. The verb 'goof' originally meant to make a mistake or act foolishly, and when combined with the particle 'off,' it evolved to mean wasting time or engaging in silly, unproductive behavior.
Breakdown
goof (to act foolishly or make a mistake) + off (away, apart; used as an intensifier in phrasal verbs). The combination creates a phrasal verb meaning to idle away time or engage in frivolous activity.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My teenage son spends all weekend goofing off instead of cleaning his room.”
“The employees were caught goofing off on social media during work hours.”
“I know I should study, but I can't help goofing off when the weather is so nice.”
“The professor noticed half the class goofing off and gave them extra homework.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.