What does klutz mean?
A klutz is an awkward person who is clumsy with their hands or inept at handling physical tasks. The word is informal and generally carries a mildly disparaging or teasing tone, often implying that someone has made a particularly foolish or clumsy mistake. It can also be used as a verb, as in “he klutzed the package open,” meaning that someone handled a task in an awkward or incompetent way. Klutz is especially common in North American English, though it is also used in British English. Its tone is usually less severe than words such as “idiot” or “moron,” because it focuses primarily on clumsiness rather than intelligence or character. The related adjective “klutzy” is especially common in informal American usage, while “klutzily” is less frequent. Altogether, the word is a vivid and informal way to describe conspicuous physical ineptitude without requiring a lengthy explanation.
An awkward, clumsy person, especially one who is inept at physical tasks or handling objects.
"I felt like a klutz when I dropped the microphone during the introduction."
Informal and mildly disparaging; it may also be used affectionately or teasingly.
To handle, move, or perform something in a clumsy or inept manner.
"She klutzed the key into the lock and nearly bent it."
Informal; often used to describe a specific clumsy mishandling of an object or task.
The standard plural is used when referring to multiple clumsy or awkward people.
"The two klutzes tripped over the ropes and knocked over the display."
The word arrives in English through borrowed linguistic layers: Yiddish klutzn ultimately draws on German Klutz, an old term for a clumsy person.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does klutz come from?
The word entered English in the early twentieth century through Yiddish, particularly the forms klutz, meaning “clumsy person,” and klutzn, meaning “to handle clumsily.” These are generally traced to the German Klutz, an old word for a clumsy or awkward person, although the ultimate origin of the German term is uncertain. English subsequently developed the verb meaning and the derivative adjective “klutzy.”
Related word forms
How klutz is actually used
Informal and usually mildly disparaging, though it can be used teasingly among friends. It is especially common in North American English but is also understood and used in British English.
Easily confused with klutz
Clutz is an uncommon spelling variant of klutz, while klutz is the standard modern spelling.