klutz

American  

[kluhts] / klʌts /

noun

Slang.

1. a clumsy, awkward person.

2. a stupid or foolish person; blockhead.

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klutz British  

/ klʌts /

noun

1. slang a clumsy or stupid person

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Other Word Forms

• klutzy adjective

Etymology

Origin of klutz

1965–70, < Yiddish klots literally, wooden beam < Middle High German kloc ( German Klotz )

Explanation

If you're awkward and clumsy, you can call yourself a klutz. If a klutz is carrying a tray of full glasses across a dining room, you can be sure they'll end up on the floor. This informal word is perfect for talking about a goofy oaf who trips over his own feet and seems to drop anything he's holding. You might say, "Don't let my brother move your TV — he's such a klutz!" Klutz is the Americanized version of the Yiddish klots, which means "block or lump," and also "clumsy person or blockhead." A related word in German is klotz, "boor, clod, or wooden block."

Example Sentences

Yiddish, the language spoken by Ashkenazi Jews across Europe before the Holocaust, is now perhaps best known to many English speakers through words such as "schlep", "klutz" and "chutzpah".

From Barron's • Oct. 26, 2025

Haider is a klutz — “by the grace of Allah, you’re really terrible,” a director groans — and the theater’s finances make zero sense.

From New York Times • Apr. 6, 2023

As for durability, I’ve never broken an Apple Watch before — and I’m a klutz.

From The Verge • Aug. 31, 2022

Her Zoey is a bit of a klutz, a bit of a goof, a little tight, a little timid and, like Rob in “High Fidelity,” a veteran of failed relationships.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2020

Last year took some getting used to, but I always fit in at recess—more than Edna, who was a total klutz.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina

Related Words

• bumbler