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The British word "boffin" is polarizing the boffins
- Thread starter Swamp Thing
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the term "boffin," its implications, and its reception within the scientific community. Participants explore the connotations of the word, its usage in media, and personal anecdotes related to its definition and perception.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question whether the term "boffin" is polarizing and explore its various interpretations, including potential shapes associated with the term.
- A participant cites a humorous definition of "boffin," suggesting it refers to experts whose work benefits less informed individuals.
- Another participant shares a personal anecdote about their first encounter with the term, describing it as silly and linked to a stereotype of scientists.
- Some express skepticism about changing the media's use of the term, suggesting that ownership of the word might be a better approach.
- A playful suggestion is made to rename the forum to "BoffinForums" as a light-hearted response to the discussion.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the appropriateness and implications of the term "boffin," with no consensus reached on its definition or the potential for its reappropriation.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference various interpretations and personal experiences with the term, indicating a lack of clarity and consensus on its meaning and usage.
- #2
Vanadium 50
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Vertically? Horizontally? Circularly? Elliptically?Swamp Thing said:
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Baluncore
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Conical - egg shaped.Vanadium 50 said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boffin#Militarywikipedia said:
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strangerep
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Perhaps the definition of "Boffin" needs refinement, e.g.,
Boffin: a highly intelligent scientist or other expert who works to make discoveries that ultimately benefit trolls and other knuckle-draggers.
Boffin: a highly intelligent scientist or other expert who works to make discoveries that ultimately benefit trolls and other knuckle-draggers.
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pinball1970
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An EX introduced me to the word when she got me a birthday card with a guy with wild hair, a magnifying glass or something and in a white coat.strangerep said:
I had never heard of it and it sounded (and looked) silly to me.
She was a music student at the time and I worked in a lab, so anyone who had studied A level sciences or above was probably a scientist in her eyes.
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JT Smith
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I sympathize but don't see how they are going to get the tabloids to stop using a word. Or anybody for that matter but especially the tabloids. That's not how language works.
I think Dr. Chapman has the right idea. Don't fight it, own it. Boffin has a nice to ring to it. Maybe this website should be renamed to BoffinForums.
I think Dr. Chapman has the right idea. Don't fight it, own it. Boffin has a nice to ring to it. Maybe this website should be renamed to BoffinForums.
- #7
berkeman
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Maybe for a certain April 1st event...JT Smith said:
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