klutz

Klutz refers to a person who is notably awkward or prone to accidents, especially those involving physical coordination or balance. A klutz may repeatedly drop objects, spill items, or collide with furniture. The term is informal and often humorous, and while it can be affectionate when used self-referentially, it may carry a mild negative connotation in some contexts.

The word comes from the Yiddish klots, meaning lump or block, and entered American English in the early 20th century. The spelling klutz is common in modern English; the plural is klutzes. The noun emphasizes habitual clumsiness rather than a single mishap.

The adjective klutzy describes the same tendency, and klutziness denotes the quality. Related terms include bungler and clumsy person, though klutz often implies a more endearing or self-deprecating sense.

In culture, the term is widely understood in English-speaking regions and appears in humor, fiction, and everyday speech. It tends to describe well-meaning but physically awkward individuals, rather than indicating a lack of intelligence or talent in other areas.