klutz
Say it: KLUTS /klʌts/ · noun
What “klutz” means
Someone who often drops things or trips over.
More precisely: A clumsy person.
Example: “I'm such a klutz: I spilled coffee on my laptop again.”
When to use it
Use it jokingly for someone clumsy, especially yourself after a small accident. It is informal and can sound unkind about others.
Similar words
butterfingers, oaf, bumbler
Where it comes from
Yiddish klots, 'wooden beam, block'.
Quick check
You trip over your own feet and knock a cushion into your tea. What might you jokingly call yourself?
a klutz or a novice?
Show the answer
a klutz
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