doofus

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/ˈduːfəs/
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A casual insult for someone foolish, clumsy, or inept, usually lighter and more comic than harsher words like idiot.

Examples

  • A couple of doofuses were arguing over the empty parking space.
  • I felt like a doofus after locking my keys in the car.
  • Quit acting like a doofus and read the instructions.
  • She called herself a doofus for forgetting the meeting time.
  • The movie turns the villain into a harmless doofus.

Similar words

nitwit
fool
clown
dummy
goof
dolt
buffoon

Meanings

Foolish or inept person

noun
social
slang
A foolish, clumsy, or incompetent person, often said with comic irritation rather than formal severity.

Examples

  • I felt like a doofus after locking my keys in the car.
  • Quit acting like a doofus and read the instructions.
  • The movie turns the villain into a harmless doofus.
  • A couple of doofuses were arguing over the empty parking space.
  • She called herself a doofus for forgetting the meeting time.

Similar words

Etymology

American slang recorded from about 1960. It is probably an alteration of goofus, and some slang sources also connect it with doo-doo.

FAQ

What does doofus mean?

Doofus means a foolish, clumsy, or inept person.

Is doofus rude?

Doofus is informal and can be playful, but it is still an insult when directed at another person.

What is the plural of doofus?

The normal plural is doofuses.

Can doofus be a verb?

No. Doofus is a noun, so forms like doofused are not standard.

Is dufus a correct spelling?

Dufus is a less common variant, but doofus is the usual spelling.

Where does doofus come from?

Doofus is American slang from about 1960, probably shaped by goofus and possibly by doo-doo.

How is doofus different from idiot?

Doofus often sounds more comic or bumbling, while idiot is usually sharper and more hostile.

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