gawky

Gawky is an English adjective used to describe someone who is unusually tall and thin, with movements or bearing that are awkward or ungainly. The term can refer to physical appearance, such as a gawky frame or a gawky gait, and to behavior perceived as uncoordinated or socially awkward. It is often applied to adolescents or young adults whose growth outpaces their motor coordination, producing an awkward impression.

Gawky carries a mildly pejorative or humorous nuance and is less harsh than terms like clumsy or awkward, yet it can feel insulting when directed at a person. It typically describes physical awkwardness rather than intellect. In contemporary usage, it is more common to describe someone as tall and gawky than to imply substantial intelligence deficits.

Etymology is uncertain; "gawky" appears in English from the early modern period with senses relating to awkwardness or foolishness. It is related in part to the noun "gawk" meaning a gawker or foolish person, though the exact lineage is debated.

Related terms include gangling, lanky, ungainly, and awkward. "Gawky" is often used interchangeably with "gangly" but emphasizes awkwardness and uneven posture rather than sheer height alone. The word remains a descriptive, somewhat old-fashioned label in many contexts and is typically found in descriptive prose or informal speech.