What it means
Daft means silly, foolish, or a bit soft in the head for a minute, usually in a light everyday way. It's a classic British word you'd chuck at a mate who's done something daft, so it's often more teasing than full-on vicious. Tone does the heavy lifting here. It can sound warm, cheeky, or properly dismissive. In Yorkshire you'll also hear daft as owt for extra flavour.
Usage examples
"Our Kev tried barbecuing in t’rain. I said, Ay up, tha’s daft as owt. Now we’ve got soggy coals and half-raw sausages."
"Don't be daft, you're not walking home in this rain, hop in and I'll drop you off."
"He had this daft idea to paint the shed bright pink, and honestly it kind of works now."
"You bought a patio heater for your tiny balcony in July. You are daft, man."
"She texted her ex at half two, then acted shocked it turned messy. Proper daft behaviour."
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Where it comes from
Daft comes from Old English gedæfte, which first had a softer feel, closer to gentle or mild. Over time it drifted through ideas like weak or dull, then landed on foolish. That old softness still clings on a bit, which is why daft can sound more cheeky than brutal in modern British speech.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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