Meaning & use
Boffin
Last updated
A scientist, engineer, or other technical expert, especially one engaged in research; chiefly British and often affectionate or mildly mocking.
See it in a sentence
The boffins in the lab finally cracked the problem after months of testing.
A team of government boffins developed the new radar system.
A note on using this word
Popularized during World War II to describe scientists working on military technology, the term retains a slightly comic, endearing tone in British usage today.
Words with a similar meaning
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