English

Verb

to goof up

1. (slang) To make a mistake.

   If I go near a skateboard, I'm sure I'm just going to goof up and fall off.

2. (transitive, slang) To introduce problems to or damage through incompetence.

   I tried to fix it, but I think I just goofed it up some more.

Usage notes

• The object of the transitive verb comes between "goof" and "up", so "I goofed it up" is correct, and *"I goofed up it" is not.

Synonyms

• cock up (UK), foul up, **** up (taboo), **** up
• balls up (taboo), bollocks up (UK, taboo), bugger up (UK, taboo) cock up (UK), foul up, **** up (taboo), mess up, **** up

Translations

Derived terms

• goof-up