duff gen

[Itasan]

OED has this:

1944 G. NETHERWOOD Desert Squadron 10 It was said by the erks that he once sold rock on Blackpool sands. That was just 'duff gen'.

What does 'duff gen' mean? Incorrect information or doubtful information?

How do you pronounce 'duff gen'? GEN as in GENeral?

Thank you.

[tigertiger]

OED has this:

1944 G. NETHERWOOD Desert Squadron 10 It was said by the erks that he once sold rock on Blackpool sands. That was just 'duff gen'.

What does 'duff gen' mean? Incorrect information or doubtful information?

How do you pronounce 'duff gen'? GEN as in GENeral?

Thank you.

In Br Army today the term 'no duff' is used to show that information is genuine. For example, I used it in signal messages on exercise (manouvres) to show that the message was not part of any drill, but real information.
Informally, verbaly, soldiers used to show they were telling the truth and not exagerating. The use of 'no duff' would not be abused, it meant you needed to take the message seriously.


Civilian use, I have not heard it except by ex-servicemen.
Civilian equivalent i some parts of UK would be 'gen up'. Root unknown.

[Itasan]

Thank you very much, tigertiger, for the valuable information.

[tigertiger]

Also a thing can be duff, i.e. not working/functioning or fit for purpose.
E.G.s
This lightbulb is duff.
The engine is duff.
A load of duff computers.
A load of duff batteries.

Also in 'The Simpsons' TV show there is Duff Beer, no doubt a play on words.

[tigertiger]

duff
"buttocks, rump," 1830s, of unknown origin. E.G. He has been sitting on his duff all day.

Duff up
slang - To beat somebody up, assault them.

Up the duff
Slang - pregnant

Steamed Duff
A type of steamed pudding/dessert.

[Itasan]

Thank you very much, tigertiger, for so many examples.