Doofus
noun
A person who is foolish or unintelligent.
I can't believe he forgot to bring his backpack to school, what a doofus!
Often appears as...
- act like a doofus
- what a doofus
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
noun
A person who is foolish or unintelligent.
I can't believe he forgot to bring his backpack to school, what a doofus!
Often appears as...
- act like a doofus
- what a doofus
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Usage
Used mainly in casual conversation among friends or on social media. Not for formal situations.
After he tripped over his own feet, everyone called him a doofus.
Pro Tip 2/3Mild Insult
It's a playful insult for small mistakes or silly behavior, not for serious criticism.
She wore her shirt inside out like a total doofus today.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Global
It’s understood in English-speaking countries but may not be known in other cultures.
My British cousin called his friend a doofus, and we all laughed.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Usage
Used mainly in casual conversation among friends or on social media. Not for formal situations.
After he tripped over his own feet, everyone called him a doofus.
Pro Tip 2/3Mild Insult
It's a playful insult for small mistakes or silly behavior, not for serious criticism.
She wore her shirt inside out like a total doofus today.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Global
It’s understood in English-speaking countries but may not be known in other cultures.
My British cousin called his friend a doofus, and we all laughed.
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Usage
Used mainly in casual conversation among friends or on social media. Not for formal situations.
After he tripped over his own feet, everyone called him a doofus.
Pro Tip 2/3Mild Insult
It's a playful insult for small mistakes or silly behavior, not for serious criticism.
She wore her shirt inside out like a total doofus today.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Global
It’s understood in English-speaking countries but may not be known in other cultures.
My British cousin called his friend a doofus, and we all laughed.
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Video examples
How to make your writing...
and they have yet to get old. The Commedia rule for creating comic characters is find the flaw, then play it up. Or you can try playing with opposites. When the smartest guy in the room does the stupidest thing, or the doofus outwits the brainiac,
Video examples
See How Dancing Helps...
so the talent show is coming up soon how are you feeling about it I've been nervous I'm gonna dance a bunch of doofus for a bunch of people and I like Harvest
Video examples
How to make your writing...
and they have yet to get old. The Commedia rule for creating comic characters is find the flaw, then play it up. Or you can try playing with opposites. When the smartest guy in the room does the stupidest thing, or the doofus outwits the brainiac,
Video examples
See How Dancing Helps...
so the talent show is coming up soon how are you feeling about it I've been nervous I'm gonna dance a bunch of doofus for a bunch of people and I like Harvest
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
P. J. O'Rourke
American Comedian
Jimmy Carter was - he still - he remains to this day America's most ex of ex-presidents. You just can't believe that we elected this doofus. He was a bright enough guy and sort of well-meaning. But he was about as prepared to be president of the United States as your goofy old uncle, you know, the one that memorises baseball statistics.
Quote examples
Jake Weber
English Actor
Especially on television, it's not so much a patriarchy; it always seems that there's a smart, strong woman calling the shots, and her doofus husband. In the sitcom world, it's almost a cliche that the women have the common sense, going back to 'The Honeymooners.
Quote examples
Maika Monroe
American Actress
If you've got people around you that are like, 'Oh, you're so good,' this and that, it becomes unhealthy. My friends are like, 'You look like a doofus.' I'm like, 'Thank you. Thank you for that.' It keeps me grounded.
Quote examples
Roger Stone
American Politician
Nothing ruins the lines of a suit or blazer and makes you look more like a doofus than when your pockets are crammed with stuff - a wallet, a cell phone, keys, a calculator, a calendar, pens, etc.
Quote examples
Rose Leslie
Scottish Actress
Growing up in Britain, Michael Caine has always been such an icon. Chatting with him, I know I came across as the biggest doofus. Literally, I was, like, bowing to him.
Quote examples
Sean Evans
American Entertainer
As a general rule, girls at the gym are not interested in a free power clean lesson from some doofus in a form-fitting Under Armour ensemble.
Quote examples
Ana Kasparian
American Educator
I will honor and respect my husband, but I'll also call him out when he's being doofus. I hope he does the same with me.
Quote examples
Adam Carolla
American Entertainer
I'm a doofus from the Valley, a blue-collar guy.
Quote examples
P. J. O'Rourke
American Comedian
Jimmy Carter was - he still - he remains to this day America's most ex of ex-presidents. You just can't believe that we elected this doofus. He was a bright enough guy and sort of well-meaning. But he was about as prepared to be president of the United States as your goofy old uncle, you know, the one that memorises baseball statistics.
Quote examples
Jake Weber
English Actor
Especially on television, it's not so much a patriarchy; it always seems that there's a smart, strong woman calling the shots, and her doofus husband. In the sitcom world, it's almost a cliche that the women have the common sense, going back to 'The Honeymooners.
Quote examples
Maika Monroe
American Actress
If you've got people around you that are like, 'Oh, you're so good,' this and that, it becomes unhealthy. My friends are like, 'You look like a doofus.' I'm like, 'Thank you. Thank you for that.' It keeps me grounded.
Quote examples
Roger Stone
American Politician
Nothing ruins the lines of a suit or blazer and makes you look more like a doofus than when your pockets are crammed with stuff - a wallet, a cell phone, keys, a calculator, a calendar, pens, etc.
Quote examples
Rose Leslie
Scottish Actress
Growing up in Britain, Michael Caine has always been such an icon. Chatting with him, I know I came across as the biggest doofus. Literally, I was, like, bowing to him.
Quote examples
Sean Evans
American Entertainer
As a general rule, girls at the gym are not interested in a free power clean lesson from some doofus in a form-fitting Under Armour ensemble.
Quote examples
Ana Kasparian
American Educator
I will honor and respect my husband, but I'll also call him out when he's being doofus. I hope he does the same with me.
Quote examples
Adam Carolla
American Entertainer
I'm a doofus from the Valley, a blue-collar guy.
Example 1 of 8
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