(Computer geek)
Science boffin
Origin: Boffin was a common colloquial term used in Britain during WW2 for the technical experts, the backroom boys, who were helping to win the war
An affectionate term, but with some practical fighting man’s scorn for the academic brain worker
by Alex October 21, 2003
Colloquial word used to refer to highly trained specialists in their respective fields; especially when the exact field of specialty is unknown.
Usually used when an new and unknown piece of technology is being discussed, and having no idea what branch of speacialty is responsible.
Used commonly in 60s and 70s British spy movies and war movies to infer generally to clever people developing, researching weapons etc...
The Boffins at the laboratory must have worked hard to make this new flying car....
Who knows how it works? That's one for the Boffins....
by RobbieY July 01, 2006
Scientist /egghead; highly qualified in his field . Someone who knows a great deal about very little .
Origin: 1930's/40's Royal Air Force slang .
1.The Boffins at the research lab have once again saved the day and avoided catastrophe .
2.Barnes Wallis was delighted to join the Boffins at the central research aerospace lab .
by Peter T July 03, 2006
by Hrocky March 22, 2009
What dumb people call clever people to make up for they're own dumbness.
Some sort of Lame insult to clever people.
Dumbass: "you are such a boffin"
Clever Guy: "you hav the I.Q of a Hair."
Dumbass "whats I.Q?"
Clever person "haha Dumbass. You Suck"
by www.stereocollision.tk May 23, 2004
in the deep dark depths of bourtreehill Scotland there is a place so foul and stingy that any natural wildlife has vacated the premises the river is a colour unknown to man and the acidity is higher than the Chernobyl water deposit. the flats are so manky and rotten that no one even lives in them any more the junkies now inhabit the higher levels and use it for dodgy deals and overdoses. for consumables we have the local corner shop which has a till made from cardboard we also have the boffin bar where u can get shot/chibbed for 5p be sure to head round the back of the pub for some free STIs and diseases. overall a lovely place.
by bradley allison September 20, 2020
British slang for a scientist or technical expert, esp . when the speaker is not certain of the expert’s specific field of study. Not necessarily derogatory, but typically used by persons without a technical background. In the US, the equivalent would be “egghead”, “squint”, or “geek.”
Origin of the word is unknown. Started sometime in World War 2. Given the typical evolution of British slang, could easily have started because what these experts did was confusing or “baffling” to the common person.
by Agnon February 11, 2023