noun
duffer
DUH-fuh
Duffer (noun) means an unskilled, clumsy, or incompetent person, especially at a sport. Example: “He's just a weekend duffer on the golf course, but he loves the game.”
noun
1
An unskilled, clumsy, or incompetent person, especially at a sport.
"He's just a weekend duffer on the golf course, but he loves the game."
2
(dated) A peddler who sells cheap, shoddy, or fake goods.
"The duffer tried to pass off the watches as genuine Swiss models."
How to use duffer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who is clumsy or below-average at something, especially used affectionately about amateur golfers.
When to use it
Mildly old-fashioned and informal, more common in British English.
Common pairings
a weekend duffer
an old duffer
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Word forms
- Plural
- duffers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He's just a weekend _____ on the golf course, but he loves the game.
Etymology
Duffer is cognate with duff (see that entry), and its origin is uncertain.
Rhymes for duffer
See all rhymes for duffer →Frequently asked questions
What does “duffer” mean?
The word “duffer” means an unskilled, clumsy, or incompetent person, especially at a sport. In plain terms, someone who is clumsy or below-average at something, especially used affectionately about amateur golfers.
How do you pronounce “duffer”?
“Duffer” is pronounced DUH-fuh (/ˈdʌfɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “duffer” in a sentence?
Here is “duffer” used in a sentence: “He's just a weekend duffer on the golf course, but he loves the game.”
What part of speech is “duffer”?
“Duffer” is a noun.
How many meanings does “duffer” have?
“Duffer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an unskilled, clumsy, or incompetent person, especially at a sport.
