duffer

[duhf-er] /ˈdʌf ər/
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.
Origin
1835-45; perhaps Scots dialect duffar, dowfart dull, stupid person, derivative of dowf; def. 3 perhaps re-formation with duff3 + -er1
Examples from the web for duffer
  • The turf may have been transported there by a duffer on an adventure travel holiday.
  • Miller enjoys his retirement, his family, travel and also considered himself to be a duffer golfer.
British Dictionary definitions for duffer

duffer

/ˈdʌfə/
noun
1.
(informal) a dull or incompetent person
2.
(slang) something worthless
3.
(dialect) a peddler or hawker
4.
(Austral, slang)
  1. a mine that proves unproductive
  2. a person who steals cattle
Word Origin
C19: of uncertain origin
Word Origin and History for duffer
n.

"inept person; old man," especially "bad golfer," 1842, perhaps from Scottish duffar "dull or stupid person," from dowf "stupid," literally "deaf," from Old Norse daufr, with pejorative suffix -art. Or perhaps from 18c. thieves' slang duff (v.) "to dress or manipulate an old thing and make it look new."

Slang definitions & phrases for duffer

duffer

noun
  1. An elderly man; geezer, jasper •Used rather affectionately: He's a sweet old duffer, isn't he?
  2. A mediocre or downright poor performer, esp at golf; hacker

[1840s+; perhaps fr Scots duffar, ''dolt'']