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Glite Dictionary
klutzy behavior

klutzy behavior

7.7
Clumsy actions that cause small accidents or mistakes
  • noun
  • /ˈklʌtsi bɪˈheɪvjər/
  • Informal
translation icon : comportamiento torpe
  • She apologized for her klutzy behavior after spilling coffee all over the table.

Examples

  • His klutzy behavior during the dance rehearsal caused several minor accidents.

  • His klutzy behavior while trying to juggle ended up knocking over the decorations.

  • Despite her klutzy behavior, everyone found her endearing and fun to be around.

  • His klutzy behavior made everyone laugh.

  • She often shows klutzy behavior during sports.

  • She always trips over her own feet during basketball games, showcasing her klutzy behavior.

  • After her klutzy behavior caused a food spill, everyone helped her clean it up.

Synonyms

clumsiness
vsklutzy behavior
3 3.3

Lack of smooth, graceful movement or behavior that looks awkward

describes the actual actions that cause accidents or mistakes
bumbling
vsklutzy behavior
1 5.8

Clumsy, awkward behavior that causes mistakes or confusion

focuses more on accidental physical harm or mishaps
awkwardness
vsklutzy behavior
1 3.6

Lack of skill or grace when moving, often causing trips

centers on clumsy actions that lead to accidents rather than general unskillfulness
oafishness
vsklutzy behavior
8.3

Clumsy, awkward actions that make other people feel uncomfortable

is more about accidental physical mishaps than social awkwardness

How Clumsy

blunder
49 3.0
klutzy behavior
  • Informal
7.7
awkwardness
1 3.6

Surface Forms

klutzy behavior singular
klutzy behaviors plural

Morphology

klutzy + behavior

The meaning is directly and transparently compositional: 'klutzy' means awkward or clumsy and 'behavior' means actions, so a learner who knows both words can infer 'awkward or clumsy actions.' Although 'klutzy' is informal, the semantic contribution is clear and follows a standard adjective + noun pattern that is cross-linguistically common.

Etymology

Klutzy behavior comes from the word klutz, which may come from an old Yiddish word for a wooden block. Think of a heavy block that bumps into things and knocks them over; that's why klutzy behavior means 'awkward' or 'clumsy' actions.