Half Listening To The Wireless The Other...
News2 mins ago
boffin?
1 Answers
where does the word 'boffin' for scientist/inventor come from?
Answers
Only 1 answer
Best Answer
No best answer has yet been selected by GuavaHalf. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
There is no known etymology that stands up to examination. It was always originally a military term...firstly, referring to a Royal Navy officer who was thought to be rather long in the tooth. Later, it took on the meaning of a scientist or back-room boy, especially in the RAF, in respect of those working on early radar systems. Nowadays, it just means any form of scientist or researcher.
Only 1 answer
