English Explanatory Dictionary

boffin

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An engineer or scientist, especially one engaged in technological or military research.
  2. A person with specialized knowledge or skills, especially one who is socially awkward.
  3. an intellectual; a smart person.

Pronunciation

/ˈbɒfɪn/ /ˈbɑfɪn/ EN-AU ck1 boffin.ogg En-au-boffin.ogg

Word forms

boffin boffins

Etymology

Origin unknown; a number of possible etymologies have been suggested, but no conclusive evidence exists. One strong theory conjectures a connection from the "Mr. Boffins" of English novels, such as in Dickens' Our Mutual Friend.

Synonyms

backroom boy brain brainiac egghead boffin bright spark geek nerd Poindexter propeller head shrewd article smart cookie supernerd whiz

Related words

mad scientist egghead

Derived words

astro-boffin boff boffinery boffinry boffinish boffinism boffiny

Translations

Czech: koumák Czech: bedna French: intello Spanish: especialista
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