duffer

American  

[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.

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duffer British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of duffer

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

Example Sentences

For Season 5, Gower, visual effects supervisor Betsy Paterson and the Duffer Brothers reimagined “Vecna 2.0” with a combination of prosthetics and visual effects, which reduced Bower’s time in the makeup chair to three hours.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Just before the release of her new Netflix series, the Duffer Brothers-produced “The Boroughs,” she’s released her first album in nearly a decade.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Holland was also instrumental in wooing “Stranger Things” creators Matt and Ross Duffer to Paramount from their longtime home at Netflix.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Executive produced by the Duffer Brothers of ‘Stranger Things,’ this series follows an engaged couple on an overlong and aimless journey filled with creepiness and dread.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

"I don't suppose he cares much for tea," said Mrs. Duffer; "they don't now-a-days."

From Marion Fay by Trollope, Anthony