I think boffin is a Britishism. I have heard it other places, not just on El Reg. Specifically: a lot on Top Gear when it was hosted by Clarkson.
replyIt is British, but actually using it dates you as still being stuck in the 90s (at the latest)
replyCame here to say the same thing.
replySadly, noticing this doesn’t make us boffins.