Lacking grace or skill in movement or handling things; awkward in action or manner.
From Middle English clumsed, past participle of clumsen meaning 'to be numb with cold'. Related to clam 'to stick' and climb. The meaning shifted from 'benumbed' to 'stiff in movement' to 'awkward'.
Originally, being 'clumsy' meant being numb from cold - imagine trying to tie your shoes with frozen fingers! The word beautifully captures how cold makes our movements stiff and awkward, then expanded to describe any awkward movement.
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