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

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

Similar words

buffoon
dummy
goof
clown
nitwit
dolt
fool

Meanings

Usage

Use doofus in informal contexts for mild comic foolishness. Avoid it in formal or respectful settings, and choose a neutral phrase such as inexperienced person when no insult is intended.

Common mistakes

doofi is not the plural, and doofus is not a verb. The normal plural is doofuses.

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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