Re: Boffins & saving email

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At 10:55 AM -0700 on 8/31/1999, Ed wrote:

> Boffin(s) is such a great word.  In "The Peoples' War," Nigel Calder
> says that its origin is uncertain.  Anyone have a further explanation
> or clue of where it came from?

According to the OED, 2nd ed., it's slang.  And they comment: "[Etym.
unknown. Numerous conjectures have been made about the origin of the
word but all lack foundation.]"

As far as a science or other geek, that's a secondary meaning. The
first meaning offered is "An elderly naval officer," earliest use in
1941.

The second meaning is defined as "a person engaged in back-room
scientific or technical research."  Earliest use, 1945, with the
note: "The term seems to have been first applied by members of the
Royal Air Force to scientists working on radar."

> Buddy would probably have always been there to help Seymore do it, but
> Seymore probably would have kept it all in his head.  And Franny or
> Zooey re: earlier postings, would be emailing with Laptops in the
> bathroom.

Stop it, you're killing me!  Definitely in the bathroom.  With Z., in
the BATHTUB, with Bessie tripping on some crazy cable.

--tim

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