galumph

American  

[guh-luhmf] / gəˈlʌmf /

verb (used without object)

1. to move along heavily and clumsily.

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galumph British  

/ -ˈlʌmf, ɡəˈlʌmpf /

verb

1. informal (intr) to leap or move about clumsily or joyfully

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Etymology

Origin of galumph

1872; phonesthemic invention of Lewis Carroll, perhaps blend of gallop and triumphant

Explanation

To galumph is to move in a heavy, clumsy, ungainly way. Ballerinas are unlikely to galumph. Lewis Carroll's poem Jabberwocky introduced many colorful words to English, including this one: "He left it dead, and with its head / He went galumphing back." Originally, galumphing had more of a sense of joy to it, but over time, this word has come to mean only heavy, labored moving. An enormous defensive lineman galumphs across the field. Elephants galumph. Someone struggling to carry bags is galumphing. This word refers to movements that are neither quick nor graceful.

Example Sentences

Galumph, gal-umf′, v.i. to march along boundingly and exultingly.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Related Words

• plod
• shuffle
• slog
• trudge
• trundle
• waddle