Phrasal verbs "goof off" vs "slack off"

Differences between goof off and slack off

Goof off and slack off both mean to waste time or avoid work, but goof off usually implies doing something unproductive or silly while slack off implies not doing work that needs to be done.

Meanings and Definitions: goof off vs slack off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Goof off

  • 1Avoid or leave work.

    We GOOFED OFF for the afternoon to watch the match.

Slack off

  • 1Reduce one's effort, perform with less enthusiasm and energy.

    Students usually begin the term well, then SLACK OFF near the end of the semester.

Usage Examples: goof off, slack off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

goof off

Example

When the teacher is not around, students often goof off.

Example

He always goofs off when he should be studying.

slack off

Example

I need to stop slacking off and start studying for my exams.

Example

He always slacks off when the boss is not around.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Goof off

To waste time or engage in unproductive or silly activities.

Example

Instead of studying for the exam, he decided to mess around with his new video game.

To waste time or engage in playful or silly activities.

Example

The kids were fooling around at the park instead of doing their homework.

To spend time being lazy or idle.

Example

On weekends, she likes to laze around the house and watch movies.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Slack off

shirk responsibilities

To avoid or neglect one's duties or obligations.

Example

He was fired from his job for shirking his responsibilities and not completing his tasks on time.

cut corners

To do something quickly or cheaply by ignoring some rules or standards.

Example

The company was accused of cutting corners and compromising safety standards to save money.

To delay or postpone doing something, often out of laziness or indecision.

Example

She always procrastinates on her assignments and ends up rushing to finish them at the last minute.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “goof”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in goof off vs slack off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: goof off or slack off?

Both goof off and slack off are commonly used in informal conversations. However, goof off is more common in American English, while slack off is more common in British English.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of goof off and slack off

Neither goof off nor slack off are formal phrases. They are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family, but not appropriate for formal settings like business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of goof off and slack off

The tone of goof off and slack off can differ based on context. Goof off often carries a playful or humorous tone, while slack off can carry a more negative or critical tone.

goof off & slack off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Goof off

Synonyms

Antonyms

Slack off

Antonyms

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