different between awkward vs stumblebum

English

Etymology

From awk (“odd, clumsy”) +? -ward.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /???kw?d/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /??kw?d/
• (Canada, cot–caught merger) IPA^(key): /??kw?d/
• Hyphenation: awk?ward

Adverb

awkward (comparative more awkward, superlative most awkward)

1. (obsolete) In a backwards direction.
   • :

     Than groned the knyght for his grymme woundis, and gyrdis to Sir Gawayne and awkewarde hym strykes, and […] kut thorow a vayne […].

Adjective

awkward (comparative awkwarder or more awkward, superlative awkwardest or most awkward)

1. Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments.

   Synonyms: clumsy, lubberly, ungraceful, unhandy

   Antonyms: dexterous, gainly, graceful, handy, skillful

2. Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing.

3. Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction.

   Synonym: maladroit

   Antonyms: amiable, cool

4. Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle.

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

awkward (plural awkwards)

1. Someone or something that is awkward.

English

Etymology

stumble +? bum

Noun

stumblebum (plural stumblebums)

1. A blundering or awkward person.
2. An inept prizefighter.
3. (slang) A homeless person.

   Synonym: bum

   • 2006, Robert B. Parker, Hundred-Dollar Baby, Putnam, ?ISBN, page 92,

     A bum came shambling past us....

     "Fucking stumblebums," Corsetti said....

     "Is 'stumblebum' the acceptable term for our indigent brothers and sisters?"

     "Sometimes I like 'vagrants,'" Corsetti said. "Depends on how much style they got."

Translations

Synonyms

• (blundering person): See also Thesaurus:unskilled person
• (inept prizefighter): ham-and-egger, palooka, tomato can
• (homeless person): See also Thesaurus:vagabond