P. J. O'Rourke

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.

American Comedian

Jake Weber

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.

English Actor

Maika Monroe

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.

American Actress

Roger Stone

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.

American Politician

Rose Leslie

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.

Scottish Actress

Sean Evans

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.

American Entertainer

Ana Kasparian

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.

American Educator

Adam Carolla

I'm a doofus from the Valley, a blue-collar guy.

Used mainly in casual conversation among friends or on social media. Not for formal situations.

Colloquial Usage

It's a playful insult for small mistakes or silly behavior, not for serious criticism.

Mild Insult

It’s understood in English-speaking countries but may not be known in other cultures.

Not Global

 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,

How to make your writing...

 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

Doofus