Butterfingered

Butterfingered is an informal adjective used to describe someone who is clumsy, especially with their hands. It refers to a tendency to drop or spill things frequently. The term implies a lack of dexterity or a mishap-prone nature when handling objects.

The origin of the idiom is not definitively known, but it is thought to relate to the slippery nature of butter, which can make things difficult to hold onto. Over time, "butterfingered" has become a common expression in everyday language to explain or excuse accidental dropping of items such as glasses, phones, or food. It is generally used in a lighthearted or self-deprecating way.

While not a formal medical or psychological term, being "butterfingered" can sometimes be associated with underlying issues like poor fine motor skills, fatigue, or distraction. However, in most contexts, it simply denotes a momentary lapse in coordination. It is a widely understood and often humorous descriptor for everyday clumsiness.