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

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."

(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 notes

In 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

Word forms

duffers plural, Duffers plural

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He's just a weekend _____ on the golf course, but he loves the game.

Etymology

Cognate with duff, which see (origin is uncertain).

Rhymes for duffer

suffer buffer puffer

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.