Hobbledehoy

Hobbledehoy

¦häbəldē¦hȯ

Noun

  • An awkward gawky youth.

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Example Sentences

“My teenage brother is a total hobbledehoy and trips over everything.”

“Look at this old photo — I was such a hobbledehoy in middle school.”

“I felt like a clumsy hobbledehoy trying to dance at the wedding.”

Word Origin

Unknown, mid-16th century

Why this word?

As a noun, “hobbledehoy” refers to an awkward, gawky youth. However, it can also be used as an adjective, describing anything makeshift or unsophisticated. Think of a teenager who is not yet fully formed. “Hobbledehoy” sounds a bit silly, so it doesn’t come across as a harsh insult, but it’s akin to calling someone a goofball or a klutz. It’s a useful word for teasing a friend who dropped a glass or poking fun at your own clumsiness. 

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