noun

galoot

guh-LOOT/ɡəˈlut/

A clumsy or foolish person.

The clumsy galoot trips over a stool while carrying too many boxes.

An awkward adult carrying an oversized stack of empty cardboard boxes trips over a low stool; the boxes tumble as she tries unsuccessfully to catch them.

Etymology

Galoot first appears in nautical use for a raw recruit or inexperienced hand. That dismissive label broadened into a term for a clumsy or awkward person, often with humorous contempt.

More examples

He called himself a galoot after stepping on her foot.
The comedy casts him as a lovable galoot.
She told the clumsy galoot to watch the fragile glasses.

Forms

galoot · galoots

Similar words

klutz: Klutz emphasizes clumsiness; galoot often suggests a large, awkward person.
lout: Lout suggests rude or boorish behavior; galoot can be more affectionate about someone’s awkwardness.