duffer

[ duhf-er ]

noun

1. Informal.
   1. a plodding, clumsy, incompetent person.
   2. a person inept or inexperienced at a specific sport, as golf.
2. Northern and North Midland U.S. an old man, especially a dull or indecisive one.
3. Slang.
   1. anything inferior, counterfeit, or useless.
   2. a peddler, especially one who sells cheap, flashy goods.

duffer

/ ˈdʌfə /

noun

1. informal.
   a dull or incompetent person
2. slang.
   something worthless
3. dialect.
   a peddler or hawker
4. slang.
   1. a mine that proves unproductive
   2. a person who steals cattle

Word History and Origins

Origin of duffer¹

1835–45; perhaps Scots dialect duffar, dowfart “dull, stupid person,” derivative of dowf; duffer def 3 perhaps re-formation with duff ³ + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of duffer¹

C19: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Directors the Duffer Brothers like to pack Stranger Things with references to 80s pop culture, and previous series have featured appearances from actors who got their big breaks during the decade.

From BBC

Writer Kate Trefry said that winning was "psychotic", and thanked creators Matt and Ross Duffer, as well as the "fans, for being freaks".

From BBC

He still a path to the right green after taking relief, only to look like a duffer down at the local muni when he chunked a wedge into the water.

From Seattle Times

The events of the play will also help to “enrich” Season 5, Matt Duffer says.

From Los Angeles Times

“When we met with Stephen we had just cracked this Henry Creel stuff in the writers room,” Ross Duffer says.

From Los Angeles Times