Klutzes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term referring to individuals known for being clumsy or awkward in their movements
2. It characterizes people who frequently drop things or make silly mistakes due to lack of coordination
3. Often used informally to describe someone inept at physical activities, especially in a humorous context

Etymology: "Klutzes" is simply the plural of "klutz," a clumsy person, so the key history lies in the singular. "Klutz" comes from Yiddish "klots," which literally meant "wooden beam" or "block of wood." That origin points to the image behind the insult: a person as stiff and unresponsive as a log. The Yiddish word is related to German "Klotz," meaning "block" or "lump," and the two share a common ancestry with the English words "clot" and "clod." All of these trace back to the idea of a heavy, solid mass, which is why a clumsy person could be likened to a piece of timber that cannot move gracefully.

Synonyms: fool, clumsy person, bungler, awkward person

Antonyms: expert, pro, master, graceful