oafish

American  

[oh-fish] / ˈoʊ fɪʃ /

adjective

1. clumsy and stupid; unmannered; loutish.

   He’s not exactly oafish, but he’s no suave sophisticate either.

---

Synonym Usage

See boorish.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• oafishly
  adverb
• oafishness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of oafish

First recorded in 1680–1700; oaf ( def. ) + -ish ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

If someone says you're oafish, they think you're mean, clumsy, and not very smart. Maybe it's the way you barreled into the classroom, knocking over a chair and not apologizing as you smacked people in the head with your backpack. Oafish behavior could include breaking your grandparents' best china as you attempt a magic trick with the tablecloth; clumsily hurting someone's feelings; or shoving a child out of the way in your rush to be the first to collect piñata candy. This derogatory adjective dates from the early seventeenth century, from oaf, "a foolish child left by fairies," which may stem from the Norwegian alfr, "silly person."

Example Sentences

Jim Haslett at 3-6: Oafish head of defense that gives up not just yards but entire continents.

From Washington Post • Dec. 20, 2012