goof off

USAGE SUMMARY

"goof off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to mean to waste time and/or procrastinate. For example, "I know I should be working, but I can't help but to goof off a bit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Don't get lazy, don't goof off.

The New Yorker

Yes, laptops can be used to goof off in class.

The New York Times

Bouldering was for years just a way to goof off or train between big ascents.

The New Yorker

Plenty of people goof off at the office by checking their Facebook accounts.

The New York Times

"There's a lot of ways to goof off Barack Obama," she says.

The Guardian

You can play all of them in an über-competition, or simply goof off with several.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Goof-Off Goose always goofs off, and others learn to accept it.

The New York Times - Arts

"Terrible goof-off".

The New Yorker

Experimental art film or sub-Jackass goof-off?

The Guardian - Film

"It's basically the goof-off area," said Katrina Barnes, 31, a longtime Dragonfly.

The New York Times

"When I was your age," Obama said, "I was a little bit of a goof-off.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "goof off" sparingly in formal writing. Opt for more professional terms like "procrastinate" or "shirk duties".

Common error

Avoid using "goof off" in situations that demand seriousness or respect. The term carries a casual, sometimes dismissive connotation that can be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goof off" primarily functions as an intransitive verb phrase. It describes the action of spending time idly or avoiding work, often implying a lack of seriousness. Ludwig provides many examples of this usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

40%

Huffington Post

11%

Less common in

Forbes

2%

The Economist

1%

The Guardian - Film

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "goof off" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase that means to spend time idly or avoid work. As indicated by Ludwig, it is most frequently used in informal contexts like Wiki and news articles. While acceptable in casual conversation, it's best to use more formal alternatives in professional settings. Remember to consider your audience and the tone of your writing when choosing whether to "goof off" or use a more suitable substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slack off

Similar in meaning, but can also imply a temporary reduction in effort.

waste time

Focuses on the unproductive use of time.

shirk duties

Focuses on neglecting responsibilities rather than general idleness.

fool around

Suggests engaging in silly or frivolous activities.

dawdle

Implies slow and unproductive activity.

mess around

Similar to "fool around" but can also imply causing minor trouble.

procrastinate

Deliberately delaying or postponing tasks.

idle away time

Highlights the unproductive passing of time.

laze around

Suggests a relaxed and leisurely form of inactivity.

goldbrick

Implies deceiving others by pretending to work.

FAQs

How can I use "goof off" in a sentence?

You can use "goof off" to describe spending time idly or avoiding work, like in the sentence, "They were "goofing off" instead of finishing their assignment".

What's a more formal way to say "goof off"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "shirk responsibilities", "neglect duties", or "procrastinate".

Is it appropriate to use "goof off" in professional settings?

While "goof off" is understandable, it's generally better to use more professional language in formal or business contexts. Alternatives such as "avoid work" or "be unproductive" are more suitable.

What's the difference between "goof off" and "slack off"?

Both phrases imply avoiding work, but "slack off" often suggests a temporary reduction in effort or a decline in performance, while "goof off" generally describes spending time idly or foolishly.