Verb: third-person singular present of bungle, to perform badly or clumsily. Noun: plural of bungle, meaning instances of clumsy or inept performance.
From 'bungle' (to perform clumsily), likely from Scandinavian 'bung' (to beat or pound), reflecting an ancient root meaning rough or violent action.
The metaphor of 'bungling' as 'beating or pounding away at something' shows how meaning evolves—ancient root about violence becomes modern word for just doing things badly.
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