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Stumblebum
01
a clumsy, blundering, or inept person
Informal
Grammatical Information
What is the origin of the term "stumblebum" and how is it used?
"Stumblebum" originated in early 20th-century American slang, especially in sports and boxing, combining "stumble" with "bum" (a term for an incompetent or worthless person). It described someone clumsy, blundering, or inept, particularly in performance. The word appears in casual speech and older-style commentary. It is derogatory but relatively mild and sometimes humorous.
Examples
The new waiter is a total stumblebum – he spilled soup on three customers tonight.
02
a second-rate prize fighter
