Awkward describes something that is clumsy, difficult to handle, or uncomfortable, especially socially. An awkward moment feels tense or embarrassing.
From Middle English “awkeward,” literally “turned the wrong way,” from “awk” meaning “backhand” or “wrong way” plus “-ward,” a direction ending. It first meant physically clumsy before gaining social meanings.
Awkward literally points to being twisted the wrong way, which is exactly how your body feels in an embarrassing moment. The word quietly links physical clumsiness with social discomfort.
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