A tool used in sewing or pressing fabric to create decorative fluted or pleated patterns; also, someone who goofs around or makes mistakes.
From 'goof' plus the agent suffix '-er' (one who does something). In the textile sense, 'goofer' may come from 'goffering,' a technique from Old French 'gaufrer' (to waffle or crimp), from 'gaufre' (waffle).
The same word 'goofer' describes both a silly person and a delicate sewing tool—English loves these double meanings, and they often tell a story about what people were thinking when they named things!
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