clumsy etymology

Etymology:

The word "clumsy" is derived from the Middle English word "clomsed," which means "benumbed or paralyzed." It is thought to have originated from the Old Norse word "klumsa," which means "to pinch or squeeze," or the Old Dutch word "klompen," which refers to wooden clogs.

Meaning:

Clumsy refers to someone or something that is awkward or lacking in dexterity. It can describe:

• A person who is physically uncoordinated or makes frequent mistakes
• Objects that are difficult to handle or use
• Situations that are complicated or difficult to navigate

Origin:

The use of "clumsy" to describe awkwardness or lack of dexterity emerged in the 16th century. Initially, it was primarily used in a medical context to refer to a condition of numbness or paralysis. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass a broader range of physical and situational clumsiness.

clumsy relate terms

• awkward

  Etymology The word awkward comes from the Middle English word awke meaning left han

• ungainly

  Etymology Origin Middle English ungaynly c 1300 Meaning clumsy or unwieldy D

• unwieldy

  Etymology Old English unwieldy Proto Germanic unwaldigaz Proto Indo European uel

• ponderous

  Etymology The word ponderous comes from the Latin word ponderosus which means heavy

• schlemiel

  Etymology The word schlemiel or schlimazel comes from the Yiddish word shlumiʾel mean

• uncouth

  Etymology The word uncouth comes from Middle English uncouthe which in turn origina

• paint

  Etymology of paint The English word paint originates from the Old French word peint

• bedlam

  Etymology The word bedlam derives from the name of the mental hospital in London Bethl

• sanguine

  Etymology Latin sanguis blood Indo European krew blood raw flesh Meaning