Cloddy

/ˈklɑːdi/ adjective

Definition

Full of clods or lumps; resembling a clod in being stupid or dull-witted.

Etymology

From Middle English 'clodde' or 'clod' with the adjectival suffix '-y'. Originally a literal descriptor for soil full of lumps, it later became a figurative term for people who were thick-headed or slow-witted.

Kelly Says

This word captures a brilliant moment when farmers got tired of describing soil conditions and started using the same word to insult each other—a linguistic transfer from agriculture to social hierarchy!

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