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DictionarydufferInept person
noun

duffer

DUF-er/ˈdʌfər/

A person who is clumsy, unskilled, or foolish.

I'm still a duffer at golf, but I enjoy playing.

An awkward amateur golfer finishes a badly misjudged swing: the ball remains on its tee while his club has gouged the turf beside it.
Etymology

The origin is uncertain: the sporting insult may come from a Scottish term for a dull person, or from slang for a seller of spurious goods.

More examples

  • Even a duffer like me can follow these simple instructions.
  • We play for fun, so duffers are always welcome.
  • I feel like a duffer whenever I try to fix anything.

Forms

duffer · duffers

Similar words

bungler
Emphasizes making mistakes or botching tasks, rather than general foolishness.
klutz
Focuses on physical clumsiness rather than lack of skill.
fool
Emphasizes poor judgment or foolish behavior rather than clumsiness.