boffin (BOF-in) noun

A scientist, especially one involved in research.

[Of unknown origin.]

Today`s word in Visual Thesaurus.

If a pocket protector could be considered an official accessory of a nerd, white lab coat, glasses and clipboard would be the equivalent for a boffin. The term first appeared as a moniker given by members of Britain`s Royal Air Force to scientists doing research on radar. But like most slang, the how and why of this are unknown.

``Wheeling out boffin Gerhard Nordlund, a researcher at Umeå University, Aftonbladet explained tired school kids need practical help in getting the most out of school.`` Jon Buscall; School Doze; The Local (Sweden); Sep 3, 2004.

``Edwards dresses up in irredeemably square glasses, lab coat and hairdo to play Brains, the speccy, stuttering boffin.`` James Rampton; A Part With the Right Specs; The New Zealand Herald (Auckland); Sep 4, 2004.