# boffin

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈbɒfɪn/ · frequency rank #93,481

## Definitions
1. An engineer or scientist, especially one engaged in technological or military research.
2. A person with specialized knowledge or skills, especially one who is socially awkward.
3. A person with specialized knowledge or skills, especially one who is socially awkward.

## Etymology
Origin unknown; a number of possible etymologies have been suggested, but no conclusive evidence exists.
One strong theory conjectures a connection from the "Mr. Boffins" of English novels, such as in Dickens' Our Mutual Friend.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/boffin