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

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

The Duffer Brothers, who created the 1980s-inspired, monster-infused inter-dimensional series, faced incredible pressure when tying up the beloved show.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2026

This was also the Duffer Brothers' intention as it was watching behind-the-scenes documentaries of classic films, like The Lord of the Rings, which inspired them when growing up.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2026

The young man had been courteous to her, but she had declared to Mrs. Duffer that he was one of those stiff young men who don't care for ladies' society.

From Marion Fay by Trollope, Anthony