What does butterfingers mean?
The term 'butterfingers' refers to a person who is clumsy or careless, often dropping or catching things in an awkward manner. This phrase is commonly used to describe someone's ineptitude or lack of coordination. It can be used in various contexts, from everyday conversations to written descriptions. The term is often used in informal settings, but it can also be found in formal writing. The phrase is thought to have originated from the idea of someone being so clumsy that they might as well be handling butter, which is easily melted and difficult to grasp. The term has been in use since the early 20th century and is still widely used today. It is often used to describe someone's clumsiness in a lighthearted or humorous way, but it can also be used to describe someone's more serious lack of coordination. Overall, the term 'butterfingers' is a useful and interesting word that can add flavor and humor to one's language.
nounA person who drops or catches things carelessly, especially fingers; a clumsy person.
- A person who drops or catches things carelessly, especially fingers; a clumsy person.
"He's such a butterfingers, always dropping his phone."
"He's such a butterfingers, always dropping his phone."
"She's a butterfingers when it comes to handling fragile objects."
The term 'butterfingers' is uncountable and has no standard plural form.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of butterfingers
The term 'butterfingers' is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly from the idea of someone being so clumsy that they might as well be handling butter. The phrase is thought to have been used to describe someone's lack of coordination or ineptitude. The term is likely derived from the words 'butter' and 'fingers', which are combined to create a phrase that is both descriptive and humorous.
How butterfingers is actually used
The term 'butterfingers' is often used in informal contexts to describe someone's clumsiness. It can be used in both formal and informal writing, but it's more commonly used in spoken language.