DictionaryschlepClumsy or foolish person
noun

schlep

A person regarded as clumsy or foolish.

He looks like a schlep when he trips over his own shoelaces.

Etymology

The Yiddish verb means dragging. The person-name applies that laborious, awkward image to someone regarded as ineffectual, clumsy, or foolish.

More examples

  • Don't be a schlep—read the instructions before you start.
  • She calls me a schlep for spilling coffee on my notes.
  • Those schleps fall for the same prank every year.

Forms

schlep · schleps

Similar words

klutz
Emphasizes physical clumsiness rather than foolish behavior or judgment.
fool
Emphasizes poor judgment or gullibility rather than physical clumsiness.