Meaning & Definition of word "Duffer"

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    Duffer

    /ˈdʌfər/

    noun:

    • 1. A person who is incompetent or unable to do something well.
      • Example: Despite his enthusiasm, John turned out to be a bit of a duffer when it came to playing tennis.
    • 2. A clumsy or stupid person.
      • Example: She called him a duffer for accidentally spilling coffee all over his shirt.
    • 3. A person who is inexperienced or unskilled in a particular field or activity.
      • Example: The new recruit was a duffer in the kitchen, unable to boil an egg properly.

    Etymology

    Origin unknown, possibly from the 19th-century British slang.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    duffer's luck:

    Refers to being lucky despite being incompetent.

    Related Words

    incompetent:

    Lacking the skills or abilities to perform effectively.

    inept:

    Having or showing no skill; clumsy.

    Slang Meanings of duffer

    Meaning: An unskilled or clumsy person.

    Example Sentence: That guy's such a duffer at fixing things, he just made it worse.

    Meaning: A person who generally lacks common sense.

    Example Sentence: She's a bit of a duffer when it comes to handling finances.