hobbledehoy

[ hob-uhl-dee-hoi ]

noun

1. an awkward, ungainly youth.

hobbledehoy

/ ˌhɒbəldɪˈhɔɪ /

noun

1. archaic.
   a clumsy or bad-mannered youth

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobbledehoy¹

1530–40; variant of hoberdyhoy, alliterative compound, equivalent to hoberd (variant of Roberd Robert) + -y ² + -hoy for boy ( b > h for alliteration; hob ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobbledehoy¹

C16: from earlier hobbard de hoy, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

And yet, what a scholars mate, too, to go and be shelved by such a mere hobbledehoy of a fellow as this young man Churchill!'

From Project Gutenberg

"Tas the way with them foweners," said the first hobbledehoy sagely.

From Project Gutenberg

A rude hobbledehoy of the St Malo peasant class opened the hut door and stared.

From Project Gutenberg

A half-wild-looking hobbledehoy boy of fifteen years also joined the group.

From Project Gutenberg

A ragged hobbledehoy stood on the Vanderbilt grounds at Biltmore, mouth open but silent, watching a gardener at work.

From Project Gutenberg