Definition

Noun: 1. An idle worthless person: A person who habitually avoids work or responsibility; a shirker or loafer.

Usage

• The term is a compound noun formed from the verb phrase "goof off." It is informal and often used in a critical or disapproving manner to describe someone who is not diligent.
• It typically functions as a predicate noun (following a linking verb like ) or as a direct object.

Examples

• As a predicate noun:
  • Don't be such a goof-off; we have a deadline to meet.
  • He was labeled the office goof-off because he was always browsing the internet instead of working.
• As a direct object:
  • The manager finally fired the known goof-off from the team.
  • We can't afford to hire a goof-off for this important project.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used with a slightly less harsh, more teasing connotation among friends, though it still implies laziness.
  • Come on, stop being a goof-off and help us clean up.

Variants and Related Words

• Goof off (verb phrase): To spend time idly or to avoid work.
  • He would rather goof off than study for his exams.
• Goof (noun): A silly or stupid person; a mistake.
• Goof (verb): To make a mistake; to spend time idly or foolishly.

Synonyms

• Slacker
• Loafer
• Idler
• Shirker
• Deadbeat (implies worthlessness more strongly)

Antonyms

• Workhorse
• Hard worker
• Go-getter

Notes

• "Goof-off" is a hyphenated compound noun. The related verb phrase is written as two words: "goof off."
• This is a colloquial term common in American English.

Noun

1. an idle worthless person