Re: Boffin

Posted by Marian on November 20, 2001

In Reply to: Re: boffin posted by dave on November 20, 2001

: : The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000 says:

: : Chiefly British Slang A scientist, especially one engaged in research.

: : The Best of British

: : The American's guide to speaking British says:

: : Boffin - This is the word for a nerd. Usually male, a boffin would be highly intelligent, have no dress sense and probably grow up to be a mad scientist or an HTML programmer!

: : and I also found an appalling limerick:

: : There once was an eccentric old boffin,
: : Who remarked, in a fine fit of coughing:
: : 'It isn't the cough
: : That carries you off,
: : But the coffin they carries you off in.'

: Is that the same as a "dufus"?

No, dave. A dufus is just dumb.