klutz

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See also: Klutz and Klütz

English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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  • enPR: klŭts, IPA(key): /klʌts/
  • Audio (US):(file)
    Rhymes: -ʌts

Noun

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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?"

Derived terms

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Translations

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