- #1
- 1,047
- 785
The British word "boffin" is polarizing the boffins
- Thread starter Swamp Thing
- Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
The term "boffin" has sparked a polarizing discussion among scientists and the public regarding its definition and usage. Originating from a humorous description by Chamberlain, the term refers to highly intelligent experts whose discoveries may benefit a wide range of audiences, including those perceived as less knowledgeable. Participants in the forum suggest that rather than resisting the term, it should be embraced, with some even proposing a rebranding of the forum to "BoffinForums" to reflect this sentiment. The debate highlights the evolving nature of language and its acceptance in popular culture.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of colloquial language and its evolution
- Familiarity with the concept of linguistic polarization
- Knowledge of the historical context of the term "boffin"
- Awareness of public perception of scientists in media
- Research the historical origins of the term "boffin" and its usage in military contexts
- Explore the impact of media on public perception of scientific terminology
- Investigate linguistic evolution and how terms gain or lose popularity
- Examine case studies of other polarizing terms in scientific discourse
Scientists, linguists, media professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of language and public perception in the scientific community.
- #2
Vanadium 50
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Education Advisor
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
- 35,004
- 21,705
Vertically? Horizontally? Circularly? Elliptically?Swamp Thing said:
- #3
Baluncore
Science Advisor
2025 Award
- 16,729
- 10,397
Conical - egg shaped.Vanadium 50 said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boffin#Militarywikipedia said:
- #4
strangerep
Science Advisor
- 3,766
- 2,214
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.
- #5
pinball1970
Gold Member
2025 Award
- 3,665
- 5,815
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.
- #6
JT Smith
- 499
- 669
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
Admin
- 69,346
- 24,677
Maybe for a certain April 1st event...JT Smith said:
Similar threads
- · Replies 7 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
High School
Prediction of McGaugh verified?
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 13 ·
High School
Aperiodic Tiling with a single tile shape
- · Replies 5 ·
- · Replies 4 ·