What does "butterfingers" mean?
Someone who tends to drop things; (more generally) someone who is clumsy or uncoordinated; a klutz.
Butterfingers
/ˈbʌtəˌfɪŋɡəz/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Someone who tends to drop things; (more generally) someone who is clumsy or uncoordinated; a klutz.
- Grammar: butterfingers is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: bungler, candy bar, clumsy, clumsy person.
- Useful contrasts: dexterous person, savory snack, skillful person.
- Usage evidence: I am such a butterfingers. That’s the third drink I’ve spilled today.
How to use "butterfingers"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "butterfingers" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "butterfingers" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "butterfingers" is acting as noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bungler" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Someone who tends to drop things; (more generally) someone who is clumsy or uncoordinated; a klutz. idiomatic, informal
"I am such a butterfingers. That’s the third drink I’ve spilled today."
- 2 someone who drops things (especially one who cannot catch a ball) wordnet
- 3 One's fingers which tend to drop things, or are clumsy or uncoordinated. idiomatic, informal
"“I guess everyone’s got butterfingers around here,” Cole said with a sly smile. “Lucky for us, I’ve got fast reflexes.”"
- 4 A tendency to drop things, or to be clumsy or uncoordinated. idiomatic, informal
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
dexterous personsavory snackskillful person
Example
"I am such a butterfingers. That’s the third drink I’ve spilled today."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "butterfingers"?
Common synonyms include: bungler, candy bar, clumsy, clumsy person, confection, dub.
How do you use "butterfingers" in a sentence?
I am such a butterfingers. That’s the third drink I’ve spilled today.
How do you pronounce "butterfingers"?
Pronounced /ˈbʌtəˌfɪŋɡəz/.
Etymology
From butter + fingers (suggesting that someone is clumsy and drops things as if their hands are coated in slippery butter), from butterfingered.