klutz
MediumInformal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
A clumsy, awkward person who often drops things or trips.
Someone who is socially awkward or inept in a particular situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used affectionately or humorously, not usually as a harsh insult. Implies physical clumsiness more than intellectual deficiency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is of Yiddish origin and entered American English. It is less common in British English, where alternatives like 'clot' or 'plonker' might be used informally.
Connotations
In AmE, it has a distinctly informal, sometimes humorous, and often mild connotation. In BrE, it is recognised but may be perceived as an Americanism.
Frequency
Much more common and established in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] a klutz[be] a klutz at [activity][be] a klutz with [objects]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A klutz with two left feet”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in very informal contexts to describe someone's poor coordination in a light-hearted way.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation to describe oneself or others humorously.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
American English
- He managed to klutz his way through the entire dance routine.
adjective
British English
- She had a real klutz moment and spilled her drink.
American English
- That was a totally klutz move on my part.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I am such a klutz - I dropped my phone again.
- Don't let him carry the glasses; he's a complete klutz.
- Despite being a brilliant scientist, he was a total klutz in the kitchen.
- Her reputation as a social klutz was dispelled once she started the public speaking course.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound 'klutz' like something clunking and dropping to the floor.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLUMSINESS IS LACK OF COORDINATION / SOCIAL AWKWARDNESS IS PHYSICAL CLUMSINESS
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'kloun' (clown). The concept is closer to 'neulyuba' (awkward person) or 'nevezhda' (boor), but with a specific focus on physical coordination.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I klutzed it'). While informal verbing exists, the standard part of speech is noun.
- Spelling as 'clutz'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'klutz'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally not. It's most often used in a light-hearted, affectionate, or self-deprecating way. However, context and tone are important.
It comes from Yiddish 'klots', meaning 'wooden block' or 'clumsy person', which itself derives from German 'Klotz' (block, lump).
The primary part of speech is a noun. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to klutz around') is informal, non-standard, and much more common in American English.
A 'klutz' specifically refers to physical (or sometimes social) clumsiness and awkwardness. A 'nerd' refers to someone deeply interested in intellectual or technical pursuits, often with a connotation of social awkwardness, but not necessarily physical clumsiness.