klutz

• clutz

From Yiddish קלאָץ (klots, literally “wooden beam”); cognate to German Klotz (“block, lump”). Doublet of clot and clod.

• enPR: klŭts, IPA^(key): /klʌts/

• Audio (US)

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  Rhymes: -ʌts

klutz (plural klutzes)

1. (US, derogatory) A clumsy or stupid person.
   • 1979, Monty Python's Life of Brian, spoken by Reg (John Cleese):

     Well, that's all right, then, Brian. Sit down. Have a scone. Make yourself at home. You klutz!

   • 1990 June 3, Dr. Robert Crist, abortion doctor, quotee, St. Petersburg Times:

     "Out of [one abortion doctor's] first six months of work, there are nine malpractice suits ... After it was apparent the guy was a klutz, they kept using him, and trying to cover for him, because they couldn't find another provider."

   • 2003, Greg Rucka, Ultimate Daredevil and Elektra:

     "Mel, back home we'd call you a klutz." / Melissa: "Use a lot of Yiddish back in Texas, do you?"

• klutzhood
• klutzish
• klutzy