Oaf: meaning, definitions and examples
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oaf
[ əʊf ]
disrespectful term
An oaf is a clumsy or unintelligent person. The term often implies a lack of social grace or awareness. It can also refer to someone who is considered crude or boorish. Typically used in a dismissive way, this term implies that the person is not only awkward but also somewhat foolish.
Synonyms
buffoon, clod, dunce, lout, oafish person
Examples of usage
- Stop acting like such an oaf at the party.
- He tripped over his own feet, looking like a complete oaf.
- Don't be an oaf; think before you speak.
- Her brother is such an oaf; he never knows what's going on.
Translations
Translations of the word "oaf" in other languages:
🇵🇹 tolo
- idiota
- bestão
🇮🇳 गधा
- बेवकूफ
- मूर्ख
🇩🇪 Trottel
- Dussel
- Dumkopf
🇮🇩 bodoh
- tolol
- dungu
🇺🇦 недоумок
- дурень
- балбес
🇵🇱 głupek
- idiota
- tuman
🇯🇵 間抜け
- バカ
- おろか者
🇫🇷 idiot
- imbécile
- nul
🇪🇸 idiota
- torpe
- tonto
🇹🇷 salak
- aptal
- ahmak
🇰🇷 멍청이
- 바보
- 얼간이
🇸🇦 أحمق
- غبي
- مجنون
🇨🇿 hlupák
- idiot
- trouba
🇸🇰 hlupák
- idiot
- tupý
🇨🇳 傻瓜
- 愚蠢的人
- 笨蛋
🇸🇮 bedak
- neumen
- neumno
🇮🇸 fífl
- heimskingi
- vitleysingur
🇰🇿 түкпір
- надан
- ақымақ
🇬🇪 ბებერი
- დუნდულა
- ბრიყვა
🇦🇿 beyinsiz
- axmaq
- düşüncəsiz
🇲🇽 idiota
- tonto
- estúpido
Etymology
The word 'oaf' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the earlier term 'alf,' which referred to an elf or a supernatural being. The transition from 'alf' to 'oaf' reflects a shift in meaning, with 'oaf' coming to represent a clumsy or dullard-like individual instead of the magical qualities associated with elves. Over time, 'oaf' has been used predominantly in British English to describe a person lacking in finesse, often due to an overabundance of physicality rather than intellect. Its usage gained traction in popular culture as a term of playful derision, often aimed at men who exhibit awkwardness or boorish behavior. This word captures a specific type of foolishness or clumsiness, suggesting a disregard for social niceties, and has maintained its relevance in colloquial communication.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #34,475 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 34472 dependably
- 34473 jocose
- 34474 minx
- 34475 oaf
- 34476 bantam
- 34477 chairwoman
- 34478 kabuki
- ...