Gawky

Adjective

Definition: Clumsy in movement or in handling objects; awkwardly built or proportioned.

Synonyms: Awkward, Ungainly, Clumsy, Uncoordinated

Antonyms: Graceful, Coordinated, Agile, Elegant

Examples:

He stumbled around the room like a gawky teenager.
The gawky girl struggled to fit into the crowd of dancers.

Mnemonics:

Think of a gawky person as someone who lacks coordination and looks awkward in their movements.
Remember the word by associating it with someone who is gangly and uncoordinated.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "gawky" is believed to have originated from the Scottish word "gawk," which means to stare or gape.

Historical Usage:

The term has been used since the late 18th century to describe someone who is awkward or clumsy in appearance or behavior.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Gawky as a newborn foal"

Explanation:

This phrase describes someone or something that is extremely awkward or ungraceful, comparing it to a young, unsteady horse trying to walk.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "gawky" with "geeky" or "nerdy."

Explanation:

While "gawky" refers to physical awkwardness and lack of coordination, "geeky" or "nerdy" refer to a person's intellectual interests and tendencies. They are not interchangeable terms.