noun

boffin

BO-fihn

Boffin (noun) means British informal: a scientist or technical expert, especially one involved in research. Example: “Government boffins developed the new radar system during the war.”

noun

British informal: a scientist or technical expert, especially one involved in research.

"Government boffins developed the new radar system during the war."

"The tech boffins at the lab unveiled a faster battery design."

How to use boffin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA British word for a scientist, engineer, or technical expert, often used slightly affectionately.

When to use it

Mainly British informal usage; rarely used in American English.

Common pairings

boffins at the lab government boffins

Word forms

boffins plural

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Government _____ developed the new radar system during the war.

Etymology

Origin uncertain; one popular theory links it to the bumbling "Mr. Boffin" character in Dickens's novel Our Mutual Friend.

Rhymes for boffin

coffin

See all rhymes for boffin →

Frequently asked questions

What does “boffin” mean?

The word “boffin” means british informal: a scientist or technical expert, especially one involved in research. In plain terms, a British word for a scientist, engineer, or technical expert, often used slightly affectionately.

How do you pronounce “boffin”?

“Boffin” is pronounced BO-fihn (/ˈbɑfɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “boffin” in a sentence?

Here is “boffin” used in a sentence: “Government boffins developed the new radar system during the war.”

What part of speech is “boffin”?

“Boffin” is a noun.