torpeza

Torpeza is a Spanish noun that denotes a lack of physical dexterity or mental sharpness, resulting in awkward, clumsy, or bungling behavior. It can refer to physical clumsiness, such as misplacing a tool or stumbling, as well as to imprecision, delay, or poor judgment in thinking or action. The term can describe a single lapse or a broader tendency, and it is commonly used in everyday speech as well as in literary and journalistic contexts.

Etymology: Torpeza is derived from the adjective torpe, meaning clumsy or slow to learn. The precise origin of torpe is uncertain, but it is well established in the Romance language family and has clear ties to Latin vocabulary that conveys impediment or sluggishness. Both senses—physical dullness and cognitive difficulty—are encompassed in torpeza.

Usage: In Spanish, torpeza can be neutral when simply noting a momentary mistake, or pejorative if judging a person’s competence. It is widespread across Iberian and Latin American varieties and is commonly combined with modifiers such as "física" or "mental" to specify the domain of the clumsiness. Phrases like "cometer una torpeza" (to commit a clumsy mistake) or "mostrar torpeza" (to show clumsiness) are typical.