Daft Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คช
daft
[dษหft ]
Definitions
music
Silly, foolish, or crazy.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| daft |
Typically used in British English to describe someone or something as mildly silly or ridiculous. Itโs often used in a light-hearted or playful manner rather than being overly critical.
|
| silly |
Describes someone or something as lacking seriousness or being frivolous. Typically used in a more affectionate or less serious way compared to 'foolish' or 'crazy'.
|
| foolish |
Used to describe someone who lacks good sense or judgment. This term has a somewhat negative connotation and implies that the person is making unwise decisions.
|
| crazy |
Used to describe someone as mentally unstable or behaving in a wildly irrational manner. Can also be used informally to describe something as wildly fun or exciting. The term can carry a negative connotation when referring to someone's mental state.
|
Examples of usage
- He made a daft comment about the song lyrics.
- Don't pay attention to his daft ideas.
informal
Extremely good; excellent.
Synonyms
excellent, fantastic, outstanding.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| daft |
Use when describing someone or something as foolish or silly. It often has a playful or slightly negative connotation.
|
| excellent |
Use in formal or informal situations to describe something of very high quality or very good performance.
|
| outstanding |
Best used in formal or semi-formal contexts to describe something or someone superior and noticeably better than others.
|
| fantastic |
Suitable for informal situations when expressing great enthusiasm or excitement about something that is very good or impressive.
|
Examples of usage
- That new album is daft!
- Their performance was absolutely daft.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The British comedy series 'The Office' features a character who often describes absurd situations as 'daft.'
- In modern slang, it's common in the UK to hear someone say 'Thatโs just daft!' when reacting to something ridiculous.
Psychology
- Using humor, such as calling something 'daft,' can be a coping mechanism to deal with frustration or confusion.
- Interestingly, people often enjoy daft humor as it can create a sense of shared laughter and bonding.
Literature
- Authors like Shakespeare have used similar terms to describe foolishness, highlighting how language around silliness has evolved.
- In Lewis Carroll's works, the absurd and daft are celebrated, emphasizing the joy found in playful nonsense.
Historical Usage
- In the 1800s, it became more common to use 'daft' in informal conversations, often associated with playful teasing.
- The Scottish dialect retains a stronger usage of 'daft' to describe not just foolishness but also someone acting in a quirky or endearing manner.
Origin of 'daft'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'daft,' meaning 'soft' or 'gentle.'
- Originally, it was used in the 14th century to describe someone as feeble-minded or lacking sense.
The word 'daft' originated from Middle English 'dafte', meaning meek or gentle. Over time, the meaning evolved to include silly or foolish. In modern usage, 'daft' is often used informally to describe something excellent or outstanding.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #26,839, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
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