Funny vs. Goofy: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 22, 2023
Funny refers to something amusing or able to cause laughter, while goofy describes a silly, quirky, or eccentric manner, often inducing laughter too.
Key Differences
Funny and Goofy, both relate to humor but in differing manners. Funny is a broad term encompassing anything that can cause laughter or amusement, applied to jokes, situations, or persons with a witty or comical sense. Goofy, however, denotes a more specific, light-hearted, and often clumsy or awkward mannerism or behavior, which is charmingly quaint or foolish, thus provoking laughter.
Funny is primarily associated with causing laughter or amusement and can be deliberate or unintentional. It involves a wide range of humorous elements, such as clever remarks, ironic situations, or comical gestures, highlighting the versatile nature of humor. Goofy, on the other hand, is associated with a distinct style of humor characterized by awkwardness, innocence, and unconventional actions or reactions, emphasizing individuality and quirkiness.
While the word funny can be used to describe intellectual humor, witticisms, or sophisticated jokes that involve sharpness of mind and a keen perception of situations, goofy typically aligns more with physical humor, slapstick, and generally unconventional behaviors or reactions. It signifies a lack of inhibition and a carefree attitude, which contrasts with the more calculated or observant humor often described as funny.
In everyday language, calling something funny might imply a range of humorous aspects, from benign amusement to a clever play on words. It is versatile and adaptable, depending on the context in which it is used. However, labeling something or someone as goofy usually implies a certain naive, childish, or eccentric charm that is endearing and amusing, reflecting a more specific type of humor.
A point of convergence between funny and goofy is that both elicit laughter and amusement, contributing to the enjoyment and light-heartedness of moments. They entertain and enliven situations, adding a layer of joy and relaxation. But, while funny often appeals to a broader audience due to its varied nature, goofy’s appeal might be more selective, resonating more with those who appreciate its quirky and unconventional charm.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Causing laughter or amusement.
Silly and eccentric mannerism.
Scope
Broad and versatile.
More specific and quirky.
Nature
Can be intellectual or slapstick.
Generally light-hearted.
Usage
Describes a range of humorous aspects.
Implies naive or childish charm.
Appeal
Has broad appeal due to varied nature.
Selective appeal.
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Funny and Goofy Definitions
Funny
Expressing or dealing with humor or comedy.
He writes funny stories.
Goofy
Silly and eccentric; foolish.
His goofy antics make everyone laugh.
Funny
Odd, unusual, or strange.
There’s a funny smell in this room.
Goofy
Lighthearted and joyful.
We had a goofy time playing games.
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement
A funny cartoon.
Goofy
Awkward or clumsy.
His dance moves are goofy but charming.
Funny
Making or given to making amusing jokes or witticisms
A colleague who is very funny.
Goofy
Informally comical and amusing.
The movie was goofy but entertaining.
Funny
Appropriate as the subject of a joke; deserving of a joke. Used in negative sentences to express disapproval or to emphasize the seriousness of something
There is nothing funny about getting the flu.
Goofy
Silly; ridiculous
A goofy hat.
Funny
Difficult to account for; unusual or odd
I had a funny feeling that she would call.
Goofy
Having the right foot forward when riding a board such as a skateboard or snowboard
A goofy stance.
Funny
Suspiciously odd
It's funny how I seem to lose something every time he comes around.
Goofy
In a stance in which the right foot is forward
Rode the snowboard goofy down the trail.
Funny
Counterfeit or fraudulent
Tried to pass off funny money as legitimate.
Goofy
Silly, quirky
Funny
(Informal) Somewhat ill, painful, or abnormal
I felt funny after eating those clams. "a mole on his arm that has started to go funny" (Ann Cummins).
Goofy
Riding with the right foot forward.
Funny
Offensively forward or disrespectful
She told him off after he started to get funny.
Goofy
One who rides with the right foot forward.
Funny
Contrary to one's demands or expectations
Don't let the prisoners do anything funny.
Goofy
Foolish and silly, or appearing silly; as, he wore a goofy hat.
Funny
A joke; a witticism
"He laughed because he did not know I was not making a funny" (Jonathan Safran Foer).
Goofy
A cartoon character created by Walt Disney
Funny
Comic strips.
Goofy
Pungent adjectives of disesteem;
Gave me a cockamamie reason for not going
Wore a goofy hat
A silly idea
Some wacky plan for selling more books
Funny
The section of a newspaper containing comic strips.
Goofy
Characterized by naive or childlike charm.
She gave him a goofy smile.
Funny
Amusing; humorous; comical.
When I went to the circus, I only found the clowns funny.
Funny
Strange or unusual, often implying unpleasant.
The milk smelt funny so I poured it away.
I've got a funny feeling that this isn't going to work.
Funny
Showing unexpected resentment.
Funny
Homosexual; gay
Funny
(informal) A joke.
Funny
(informal) A comic strip.
Funny
(rowing) A rowboat with both ends pointed and out of the water.
Funny
(British) A narrow clinker-built boat for sculling.
Funny
(nonstandard) In an unusual manner; strangely.
Funny
In a manner seen as being typical of a homosexual, or indicating homosexuality
Funny
Droll; comical; amusing; laughable; inciting laughter.
Funny
A clinkerbuit, narrow boat for sculling.
Funny
Arousing or provoking laughter;
An amusing film with a steady stream of pranks and pratfalls
An amusing fellow
A comic hat
A comical look of surprise
Funny stories that made everybody laugh
A very funny writer
It would have been laughable if it hadn't hurt so much
A mirthful experience
Risible courtroom antics
Funny
Beyond or deviating from the usual or expected;
A curious hybrid accent
Her speech has a funny twang
They have some funny ideas about war
Had an odd name
The peculiar aromatic odor of cloves
Something definitely queer about this town
What a rum fellow
Singular behavior
Funny
Not as expected;
There was something fishy about the accident
Up to some funny business
Some definitely queer goings-on
A shady deal
Her motives were suspect
Suspicious behavior
Funny
Experiencing odd bodily sensations;
Told the doctor about the funny sensations in her chest
Funny
In a strange manner;
A queerly inscribed sheet of paper
He acted kind of funny
Funny
In a comical manner;
She acted comically
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement; humorous.
The comedian was extremely funny.
Funny
Beyond usual or expected; strange.
It’s funny how things turned out.
Funny
Entertaining or amusing.
We had a funny day at the amusement park.
FAQs
Can something be both funny and goofy?
Yes, something can be both funny and goofy if it is amusing due to its silly and quirky nature.
Is goofy a type of funny?
Yes, goofy can be considered a specific type of funny that emphasizes silliness and eccentricity.
Can funny be unintentional?
Absolutely, funny can often be unintentional, occurring in unexpected situations.
Is funny subjective?
Yes, what one person finds funny, another might not; humor is highly subjective.
Does goofy always imply clumsiness?
While often associated with clumsiness, goofy can also refer to any silly or eccentric behavior.
Can something be funny and serious at the same time?
Yes, humor can be found in serious situations, often as a form of irony.
Is goofy a formal term?
Goofy is more informal and is usually used in casual conversation.
Can a situation be funny without involving humor?
Yes, "funny" can describe odd or unusual situations that are not necessarily humorous.
Is goofy humor more visual?
Often, goofy humor is more visual and physical, relying on actions rather than words.
Can someone be goofy without realizing it?
Yes, someone can exhibit goofy behavior without being aware of its silliness.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
