clumsy: [16] When clumsy first appeared on the scene around 1600, both it and the presumably related but now obsolete clumse were used not only for ‘awkward’ but also for ‘numb with cold’. This, and the fact that the word’s nearest apparent relatives are Scandinavian (such as Swedish dialect klumsig ‘numb, clumsy’), suggests that the notion originally contained in them was of being torpid from cold – so cold that one is sluggish and cannot coordinate one’s actions.
clumsy (adj.)
1590s, "acting as if benumbed," alteration of Middle English clumsid "numb with cold" (14c.), past participle of clumsen "to benumb, stiffen or paralyze with cold or fear," from a Scandinavian source akin to Old Norse klumsa "make speechless, palsy; prevent from speaking," intensive of kluma "to make motionless." For insertion of -s-, see flimsy.
Not in general use until 18c., with senses "manifesting awkwardness; so made as to be unwieldy." Related: Clumsily; clumsiness. Compare Swedish dialectal klummsen "benumbed with cold," Norwegian klumsad (past participle) "speechless, palsied by a spasm or by fear or witchery;" German verklammen "grow stiff or numb with cold." Also compare clumse (n.) "a stupid fellow."
实用例句
1. The action seemed a clumsy attempt to topple the Janata Dal government.
这一试图推翻人民党政府的行动似乎缺乏策略。
来自柯林斯例句
2. He is still smarting over criticism of his victorious but clumsy performance.
他还在为别人批评他尽管最终胜出但表现笨拙感到闷闷不乐。
来自柯林斯例句
3. It was a clumsy looking aeroplane.
那架飞机样子很难看。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The lyrics are banal and the rhymes clumsy.
歌词平淡老套，押韵生硬蹩脚。
来自柯林斯例句
5. I spilt your coffee. Sorry—that was clumsy of me.
