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schlub

American  
[shluhb] / ʃlʌb /
Also zhlub, or shlub

noun

Slang.
  1. a clumsy, stupid person.


schlub British  
/ ʃlʌb /

noun

  1. slang a coarse or contemptible person

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of schlub

First recorded in 1950–55; from Yiddish zhlob, zhlub “yokel, boor,” from Polish żłób “blockhead” literally, “trough, manger”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Sure, he was recognized by another schlub who used to live in Albuquerque.

From Salon Aug. 16, 2022

He’s a schlub, a loner from down the block: totally banal, totally evil.

From New York Times Jul. 5, 2021

Kravitz does the neat trick of seeming appealing even while, despite being the genetically advantaged daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, she gives a surprisingly good impression of a depressed schlub.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 3, 2020

Franken’s self-presentation as an ineffectual schlub, for instance, struck me as more than a little theatrical.

From Slate Jul. 25, 2019

“Grinding” is a verb used ostensibly as a compliment, meaning “at least the big schlub is trying,” despite repeatedly scuffling more than a little bit.

From Washington Post Jun. 3, 2019

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