What is an informal term for a person who can't do anything right? [closed]












16














In Russian we have the term "рукожоп". I would translate it as "asshands" which literally means that your hands grow out of your behind and you can't do anything right (or do anything at all).



Example:




Dad: "Hey son, can you hang up this picture on the wall?"



Son: "No dad, my hands grow out of my behind, I'll probably end up hanging it upside down" (Or "I am a _____" - i.e. the term I'm looking for.)




Is there anything similar in English? Is the term "screw up" the one? Or are there any other ones? I want slang specifically, preferably American.






single-word-requests american-english translation offensive-language







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We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.





closed as primarily opinion-based by MetaEd♦ Dec 31 '18 at 15:06


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.















  • Are you specifically looking for slang terms or adjectives? Clumsy could be an adjective.
    – Sweet_Cherry
    Dec 27 '18 at 21:33






  • 1




    @Sweet_Cherry no, I want slang specifically, preferably American.
    – Happy
    Dec 27 '18 at 21:35






  • 1




    If you weren't asking for AmE then I might proffer "pillock", "prat", "plonker", "muppet", etc - you're missing out on a lot of great BrE colloquialisms!
    – Dai
    Dec 28 '18 at 16:49






  • 1




    You seem to be looking for a noun, but if it were an adjective, ham-handed is possible.
    – hatchet
    Dec 28 '18 at 22:38








  • 1




    Neither “all thumbs” nor “klutz” are slang, and neither is specific to American slang.
    – NonCreature0714
    Dec 29 '18 at 7:57
















16














In Russian we have the term "рукожоп". I would translate it as "asshands" which literally means that your hands grow out of your behind and you can't do anything right (or do anything at all).



Example:




Dad: "Hey son, can you hang up this picture on the wall?"



Son: "No dad, my hands grow out of my behind, I'll probably end up hanging it upside down" (Or "I am a _____" - i.e. the term I'm looking for.)




Is there anything similar in English? Is the term "screw up" the one? Or are there any other ones? I want slang specifically, preferably American.






single-word-requests american-english translation offensive-language







share|improve this question














We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.





closed as primarily opinion-based by MetaEd♦ Dec 31 '18 at 15:06


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.















  • Are you specifically looking for slang terms or adjectives? Clumsy could be an adjective.
    – Sweet_Cherry
    Dec 27 '18 at 21:33






  • 1




    @Sweet_Cherry no, I want slang specifically, preferably American.
    – Happy
    Dec 27 '18 at 21:35






  • 1




    If you weren't asking for AmE then I might proffer "pillock", "prat", "plonker", "muppet", etc - you're missing out on a lot of great BrE colloquialisms!
    – Dai
    Dec 28 '18 at 16:49






  • 1




    You seem to be looking for a noun, but if it were an adjective, ham-handed is possible.
    – hatchet
    Dec 28 '18 at 22:38








  • 1




    Neither “all thumbs” nor “klutz” are slang, and neither is specific to American slang.
    – NonCreature0714
    Dec 29 '18 at 7:57














16












16








16


2





In Russian we have the term "рукожоп". I would translate it as "asshands" which literally means that your hands grow out of your behind and you can't do anything right (or do anything at all).



Example:




Dad: "Hey son, can you hang up this picture on the wall?"



Son: "No dad, my hands grow out of my behind, I'll probably end up hanging it upside down" (Or "I am a _____" - i.e. the term I'm looking for.)




Is there anything similar in English? Is the term "screw up" the one? Or are there any other ones? I want slang specifically, preferably American.






single-word-requests american-english translation offensive-language







share|improve this question















In Russian we have the term "рукожоп". I would translate it as "asshands" which literally means that your hands grow out of your behind and you can't do anything right (or do anything at all).



Example:




Dad: "Hey son, can you hang up this picture on the wall?"



Son: "No dad, my hands grow out of my behind, I'll probably end up hanging it upside down" (Or "I am a _____" - i.e. the term I'm looking for.)




Is there anything similar in English? Is the term "screw up" the one? Or are there any other ones? I want slang specifically, preferably American.






single-word-requests american-english translation offensive-language




single-word-requests american-english translation offensive-language






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Dec 29 '18 at 0:41









Mitch

50.7k15103212




50.7k15103212










asked Dec 27 '18 at 21:17









HappyHappy

373310




373310



We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.




We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.





closed as primarily opinion-based by MetaEd♦ Dec 31 '18 at 15:06


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.






closed as primarily opinion-based by MetaEd♦ Dec 31 '18 at 15:06


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.














  • Are you specifically looking for slang terms or adjectives? Clumsy could be an adjective.
    – Sweet_Cherry
    Dec 27 '18 at 21:33






  • 1




    @Sweet_Cherry no, I want slang specifically, preferably American.
    – Happy
    Dec 27 '18 at 21:35






  • 1




    If you weren't asking for AmE then I might proffer "pillock", "prat", "plonker", "muppet", etc - you're missing out on a lot of great BrE colloquialisms!
    – Dai
    Dec 28 '18 at 16:49






  • 1




    You seem to be looking for a noun, but if it were an adjective, ham-handed is possible.
    – hatchet
    Dec 28 '18 at 22:38








  • 1




    Neither “all thumbs” nor “klutz” are slang, and neither is specific to American slang.
    – NonCreature0714
    Dec 29 '18 at 7:57


















  • Are you specifically looking for slang terms or adjectives? Clumsy could be an adjective.
    – Sweet_Cherry
    Dec 27 '18 at 21:33






  • 1




    @Sweet_Cherry no, I want slang specifically, preferably American.
    – Happy
    Dec 27 '18 at 21:35






  • 1




    If you weren't asking for AmE then I might proffer "pillock", "prat", "plonker", "muppet", etc - you're missing out on a lot of great BrE colloquialisms!
    – Dai
    Dec 28 '18 at 16:49






  • 1




    You seem to be looking for a noun, but if it were an adjective, ham-handed is possible.
    – hatchet
    Dec 28 '18 at 22:38








  • 1




    Neither “all thumbs” nor “klutz” are slang, and neither is specific to American slang.
    – NonCreature0714
    Dec 29 '18 at 7:57
















Are you specifically looking for slang terms or adjectives? Clumsy could be an adjective.
– Sweet_Cherry
Dec 27 '18 at 21:33




Are you specifically looking for slang terms or adjectives? Clumsy could be an adjective.
– Sweet_Cherry
Dec 27 '18 at 21:33




1




1




@Sweet_Cherry no, I want slang specifically, preferably American.
– Happy
Dec 27 '18 at 21:35




@Sweet_Cherry no, I want slang specifically, preferably American.
– Happy
Dec 27 '18 at 21:35




1




1




If you weren't asking for AmE then I might proffer "pillock", "prat", "plonker", "muppet", etc - you're missing out on a lot of great BrE colloquialisms!
– Dai
Dec 28 '18 at 16:49




If you weren't asking for AmE then I might proffer "pillock", "prat", "plonker", "muppet", etc - you're missing out on a lot of great BrE colloquialisms!
– Dai
Dec 28 '18 at 16:49




1




1




You seem to be looking for a noun, but if it were an adjective, ham-handed is possible.
– hatchet
Dec 28 '18 at 22:38






You seem to be looking for a noun, but if it were an adjective, ham-handed is possible.
– hatchet
Dec 28 '18 at 22:38






1




1




Neither “all thumbs” nor “klutz” are slang, and neither is specific to American slang.
– NonCreature0714
Dec 29 '18 at 7:57




Neither “all thumbs” nor “klutz” are slang, and neither is specific to American slang.
– NonCreature0714
Dec 29 '18 at 7:57










14 Answers
14






active

oldest

votes


















45














"All thumbs", according to Wiktionary "clumsy, awkward, not dextrous."



"Klutz", according to Wiktionary "a clumsy or stupid person."






share|improve this answer











We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.










  • 15




    Yeah, "klutz"..
    – Hot Licks
    Dec 28 '18 at 0:01










  • "All thumbs" is an adjectival phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person"). However, "klutz" is a noun and fits the bill.
    – Chappo
    Dec 28 '18 at 10:57






  • 2




    I think I’m offering fair and not unkind criticism when I say that this answer is not American slang per se, as the OP requested, but rather is a more general English idiom and adopted Yiddish.
    – NonCreature0714
    Dec 29 '18 at 8:35






  • 2




    A klutz is someone that is clumsy... a klutz would be more likely to drop and break the picture in the process of hanging it not hang it upside down. I don't think this term properly describes what OP is looking for.
    – JeffC
    Dec 29 '18 at 17:23










  • "klutz" fits the question well, which seems to be asking for "physically clumsy" specifically, not incompetent in general like "fuckup". "klutz" doesn't have much of a connotation of being a bad / useless person in general, for tasks that aren't physical / mechanical. e.g. a theoretical physicist could be all thumbs, and that's why they're a theoretician who works at a computer and/or blackboard all day instead of an experimental physicist who builds stuff in their lab.
    – Peter Cordes
    Dec 30 '18 at 6:59



















22














If you’re looking for vulgar slang, “fuckup” is a good option:




an extremely offensive word for someone who often makes serious mistakes or fails completely




https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/fuck-up_2



Screw up works too, but it’s not as offensive.



Both of these words are also verbs.






share|improve this answer





















  • That seems somewhat judgemental of the person's character.
    – einpoklum
    Dec 28 '18 at 23:14












  • @einpoklum I do think that, if I’m understanding Russian culture correctly, asshands can be used as a judgement of character.
    – NonCreature0714
    Dec 29 '18 at 8:45












  • I agree with @einpoklum, I think that "fuckup" or "screwup" is too broad in meaning. If it was "растяпа" (bumbler,muddler,wally) then maybe, but I understand "рукожоп" as being particularly about lacking in manual skills.
    – JohnGH
    Dec 29 '18 at 20:08










  • fuckup is good. fucktard is even better.
    – Mazura
    Dec 30 '18 at 22:05



















15














Incompetent springs to mind:




a. Of inadequate ability or fitness; not having the requisite capacity or qualification; incapable.



B. An incompetent person.




While we have a lot of fun slang terms here, this would be a term you could use either casually or in a slightly more formal setting.



I've also seen "Incompetent" used as an insult ("Are you incompetent, boy?"), so it would work to be more self-deprecating.






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    11














    "Butterfingers" might be a good word considering the context you used regarding the term "asshands". Generally it implies someone inept with their hands, or lacking in manual dexterity.



    As a more brusque offensive term, I'd use the word "Fuck-up."






    share|improve this answer











    Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.










    • 5




      This is usually used in the sense of dropping things (literally as though your fingers were slippery with butter) rather than generally lacking dexterity though.
      – Alchymist
      Dec 28 '18 at 15:07



















    8














    A bumbler is informal without being vulgar or obscene.




    He can't do anything right. He is a bumbler.







    share|improve this answer











    Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.














    • Tharpa, this isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of bumbler (linked to the source)? For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
      – Chappo
      Dec 29 '18 at 23:00



















    8















    schlemiel




    A person who fouls up everything by incompetence or bad luck. It was borrowed into English from Yiddish which is from a name of a character in a story (1813).



    Compare with schlemazel.
    Which actually means 'bad luck' (schlim mazel).



    The saying goes, in order to tell which is which, is that the person who spills their bowl of soup is the schlemiel, and the person they spill it on is the schlemazel.






    share|improve this answer

















    • 4




      Laverne & Shirley fan? I don't think this is in common enough usage today to be effective. I don't think most people would know what this means.
      – JeffC
      Dec 29 '18 at 17:25






    • 1




      @JeffC many Yiddishisms were much more common in the past, especially in the NYC area. But every so often pop culture will revive one of them. Verklempt, meh, putz, spritz. Schlemiel wass definitely made more popular by L&S.
      – Mitch
      Dec 30 '18 at 1:05



















    6














    An idiom, that seems somewhat similar to the Russian one, is
    No dad, i’m all fingers and thumbs, I'll probably end up hanging it upside down.




    be all fingers and thumbs.

    To be clumsy with one's hands. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Tom could never be a surgeon—he's all fingers and thumbs. Can you sew this button on for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs.

    - thefreedictionary.com







    share|improve this answer



















    • 1




      This is a verbal phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person").
      – Chappo
      Dec 28 '18 at 10:55






    • 1




      @Chappo I did not think “an informal term for a person” meant it was limited to nouns, but I guess it would be best if OP edited question to be more specific.
      – k1eran
      Dec 28 '18 at 11:18



















    6














    If s/he "can't do anything right" not just in terms of construction and house-work, but more generally, you can call that person a good-for-nothing.



    Dictionary definition:




    good-for-noth·ing

    (go͝od′fər-nŭth′ĭng)



    noun: A person of little worth or usefulness.
    adjective: Having little worth; useless.







    share|improve this answer











    We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.














    • Just because someone is too clumsy to hang a picture, doesn't mean they are a good-for-nothing. They might be excellent at mathematics or poetry or managing a company.
      – chasly from UK
      Dec 29 '18 at 22:37



















    3














    doofus or less commonly dufus. Same meaning.




    a stupid, incompetent, or foolish person.




    MW notes that the word is slang, and that it's relatively recent (first known use 1960).



    Further background: there's also some connection to the 1959 TV show "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis". And Hipsterdufus is apparently now a thing.






    share|improve this answer













    We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.






















      2














      Noun: Useless Tit

      Adjective: Tit-useless



      Often but not always applied to males, probably related to the non-functionality of the male breast.




      Dave is a useless tit.



      Dave is tit-useless at anything.




      Probably a contraction of "...as useless as tits on a nun/bull/ram/log"



      Supporting link: https://www.answerbag.com/q_view/53418






      share|improve this answer













      Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.










      • 1




        "Tit" seems to indicate an intentional insult. Am I wrong? If not, I don't think OP wanted that shade of meaning.
        – einpoklum
        Dec 29 '18 at 22:36



















      1














      A sad sack is a blundering, inept person.



      MW defines it as "US, informal", and says the first known use with this meaning is from 1943. However, etymonline says:




      sad sack is 1920s, popularized by World War II armed forces
      (specifically by cartoon character invented by Sgt. George Baker,
      1942, and published in U.S. Armed Forces magazine "Yank"), probably a
      euphemistic shortening of common military slang phrase sad sack of
      shit      .




      The term comes from a military context, a soldier who can't seem to do anything correctly.



      The definitions in the Urban Dictionary seem to turn the meaning more toward a depressed or depressing person. But the original context used sad in the sense of pitiful.






      share|improve this answer























      • Thanks for finding that! Unfortunately, I don't know how to do that from my phone.
        – already puzzled
        Dec 28 '18 at 21:47










      • I've added the links/detail but you might like to re-edit your middle paragraphs in light of the (slightly duplicated) etymological discussion. :-)
        – Chappo
        Dec 29 '18 at 22:58










      • Thanks! Feel free to touch up.
        – already puzzled
        Dec 30 '18 at 3:15



















      1














      Inept



      https://www.thefreedictionary.com/inept



      in·ept (ĭn-ĕpt′)

      adj.

      1. Lacking or showing a lack of skill or competence; bungling or clumsy: an inept actor; an inept performance.

      2. Showing a lack of judgment, sense, or reason; inappropriate or foolish: an inept remark.






      share|improve this answer





























        1














        Adding nincompoop as a suggestion.




        A silly or foolish person.




        A slightly older word in UK English so not too widely used.






        share|improve this answer





























          0














          There is a word we use called Nixie. It comes from the German word Nichtse which means a slacker/good-for-nothing.
          The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community.






          share|improve this answer











          Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.










          • 2




            "The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community" - should we infer anything from this? ;-)
            – Chappo
            Dec 29 '18 at 0:36






          • 2




            "Nichtse" never heard this. Would it perhaps be Dutch?
            – alk
            Dec 29 '18 at 18:26












          • A think of a Nixie as a water spirit.
            – Ben
            Dec 30 '18 at 18:38










          protected by Andrew Leach♦ Dec 29 '18 at 9:47



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          14 Answers
          14






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          14 Answers
          14






          active

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          45














          "All thumbs", according to Wiktionary "clumsy, awkward, not dextrous."



          "Klutz", according to Wiktionary "a clumsy or stupid person."






          share|improve this answer











          We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.










          • 15




            Yeah, "klutz"..
            – Hot Licks
            Dec 28 '18 at 0:01










          • "All thumbs" is an adjectival phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person"). However, "klutz" is a noun and fits the bill.
            – Chappo
            Dec 28 '18 at 10:57






          • 2




            I think I’m offering fair and not unkind criticism when I say that this answer is not American slang per se, as the OP requested, but rather is a more general English idiom and adopted Yiddish.
            – NonCreature0714
            Dec 29 '18 at 8:35






          • 2




            A klutz is someone that is clumsy... a klutz would be more likely to drop and break the picture in the process of hanging it not hang it upside down. I don't think this term properly describes what OP is looking for.
            – JeffC
            Dec 29 '18 at 17:23










          • "klutz" fits the question well, which seems to be asking for "physically clumsy" specifically, not incompetent in general like "fuckup". "klutz" doesn't have much of a connotation of being a bad / useless person in general, for tasks that aren't physical / mechanical. e.g. a theoretical physicist could be all thumbs, and that's why they're a theoretician who works at a computer and/or blackboard all day instead of an experimental physicist who builds stuff in their lab.
            – Peter Cordes
            Dec 30 '18 at 6:59
















          45














          "All thumbs", according to Wiktionary "clumsy, awkward, not dextrous."



          "Klutz", according to Wiktionary "a clumsy or stupid person."






          share|improve this answer











          We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.










          • 15




            Yeah, "klutz"..
            – Hot Licks
            Dec 28 '18 at 0:01










          • "All thumbs" is an adjectival phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person"). However, "klutz" is a noun and fits the bill.
            – Chappo
            Dec 28 '18 at 10:57






          • 2




            I think I’m offering fair and not unkind criticism when I say that this answer is not American slang per se, as the OP requested, but rather is a more general English idiom and adopted Yiddish.
            – NonCreature0714
            Dec 29 '18 at 8:35






          • 2




            A klutz is someone that is clumsy... a klutz would be more likely to drop and break the picture in the process of hanging it not hang it upside down. I don't think this term properly describes what OP is looking for.
            – JeffC
            Dec 29 '18 at 17:23










          • "klutz" fits the question well, which seems to be asking for "physically clumsy" specifically, not incompetent in general like "fuckup". "klutz" doesn't have much of a connotation of being a bad / useless person in general, for tasks that aren't physical / mechanical. e.g. a theoretical physicist could be all thumbs, and that's why they're a theoretician who works at a computer and/or blackboard all day instead of an experimental physicist who builds stuff in their lab.
            – Peter Cordes
            Dec 30 '18 at 6:59














          45












          45








          45






          "All thumbs", according to Wiktionary "clumsy, awkward, not dextrous."



          "Klutz", according to Wiktionary "a clumsy or stupid person."






          share|improve this answer












          "All thumbs", according to Wiktionary "clumsy, awkward, not dextrous."



          "Klutz", according to Wiktionary "a clumsy or stupid person."







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Dec 27 '18 at 22:19









          Al MakiAl Maki

          2,026815




          2,026815



          We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.




          We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.









          • 15




            Yeah, "klutz"..
            – Hot Licks
            Dec 28 '18 at 0:01










          • "All thumbs" is an adjectival phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person"). However, "klutz" is a noun and fits the bill.
            – Chappo
            Dec 28 '18 at 10:57






          • 2




            I think I’m offering fair and not unkind criticism when I say that this answer is not American slang per se, as the OP requested, but rather is a more general English idiom and adopted Yiddish.
            – NonCreature0714
            Dec 29 '18 at 8:35






          • 2




            A klutz is someone that is clumsy... a klutz would be more likely to drop and break the picture in the process of hanging it not hang it upside down. I don't think this term properly describes what OP is looking for.
            – JeffC
            Dec 29 '18 at 17:23










          • "klutz" fits the question well, which seems to be asking for "physically clumsy" specifically, not incompetent in general like "fuckup". "klutz" doesn't have much of a connotation of being a bad / useless person in general, for tasks that aren't physical / mechanical. e.g. a theoretical physicist could be all thumbs, and that's why they're a theoretician who works at a computer and/or blackboard all day instead of an experimental physicist who builds stuff in their lab.
            – Peter Cordes
            Dec 30 '18 at 6:59














          • 15




            Yeah, "klutz"..
            – Hot Licks
            Dec 28 '18 at 0:01










          • "All thumbs" is an adjectival phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person"). However, "klutz" is a noun and fits the bill.
            – Chappo
            Dec 28 '18 at 10:57






          • 2




            I think I’m offering fair and not unkind criticism when I say that this answer is not American slang per se, as the OP requested, but rather is a more general English idiom and adopted Yiddish.
            – NonCreature0714
            Dec 29 '18 at 8:35






          • 2




            A klutz is someone that is clumsy... a klutz would be more likely to drop and break the picture in the process of hanging it not hang it upside down. I don't think this term properly describes what OP is looking for.
            – JeffC
            Dec 29 '18 at 17:23










          • "klutz" fits the question well, which seems to be asking for "physically clumsy" specifically, not incompetent in general like "fuckup". "klutz" doesn't have much of a connotation of being a bad / useless person in general, for tasks that aren't physical / mechanical. e.g. a theoretical physicist could be all thumbs, and that's why they're a theoretician who works at a computer and/or blackboard all day instead of an experimental physicist who builds stuff in their lab.
            – Peter Cordes
            Dec 30 '18 at 6:59








          15




          15




          Yeah, "klutz"..
          – Hot Licks
          Dec 28 '18 at 0:01




          Yeah, "klutz"..
          – Hot Licks
          Dec 28 '18 at 0:01












          "All thumbs" is an adjectival phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person"). However, "klutz" is a noun and fits the bill.
          – Chappo
          Dec 28 '18 at 10:57




          "All thumbs" is an adjectival phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person"). However, "klutz" is a noun and fits the bill.
          – Chappo
          Dec 28 '18 at 10:57




          2




          2




          I think I’m offering fair and not unkind criticism when I say that this answer is not American slang per se, as the OP requested, but rather is a more general English idiom and adopted Yiddish.
          – NonCreature0714
          Dec 29 '18 at 8:35




          I think I’m offering fair and not unkind criticism when I say that this answer is not American slang per se, as the OP requested, but rather is a more general English idiom and adopted Yiddish.
          – NonCreature0714
          Dec 29 '18 at 8:35




          2




          2




          A klutz is someone that is clumsy... a klutz would be more likely to drop and break the picture in the process of hanging it not hang it upside down. I don't think this term properly describes what OP is looking for.
          – JeffC
          Dec 29 '18 at 17:23




          A klutz is someone that is clumsy... a klutz would be more likely to drop and break the picture in the process of hanging it not hang it upside down. I don't think this term properly describes what OP is looking for.
          – JeffC
          Dec 29 '18 at 17:23












          "klutz" fits the question well, which seems to be asking for "physically clumsy" specifically, not incompetent in general like "fuckup". "klutz" doesn't have much of a connotation of being a bad / useless person in general, for tasks that aren't physical / mechanical. e.g. a theoretical physicist could be all thumbs, and that's why they're a theoretician who works at a computer and/or blackboard all day instead of an experimental physicist who builds stuff in their lab.
          – Peter Cordes
          Dec 30 '18 at 6:59




          "klutz" fits the question well, which seems to be asking for "physically clumsy" specifically, not incompetent in general like "fuckup". "klutz" doesn't have much of a connotation of being a bad / useless person in general, for tasks that aren't physical / mechanical. e.g. a theoretical physicist could be all thumbs, and that's why they're a theoretician who works at a computer and/or blackboard all day instead of an experimental physicist who builds stuff in their lab.
          – Peter Cordes
          Dec 30 '18 at 6:59













          22














          If you’re looking for vulgar slang, “fuckup” is a good option:




          an extremely offensive word for someone who often makes serious mistakes or fails completely




          https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/fuck-up_2



          Screw up works too, but it’s not as offensive.



          Both of these words are also verbs.






          share|improve this answer





















          • That seems somewhat judgemental of the person's character.
            – einpoklum
            Dec 28 '18 at 23:14












          • @einpoklum I do think that, if I’m understanding Russian culture correctly, asshands can be used as a judgement of character.
            – NonCreature0714
            Dec 29 '18 at 8:45












          • I agree with @einpoklum, I think that "fuckup" or "screwup" is too broad in meaning. If it was "растяпа" (bumbler,muddler,wally) then maybe, but I understand "рукожоп" as being particularly about lacking in manual skills.
            – JohnGH
            Dec 29 '18 at 20:08










          • fuckup is good. fucktard is even better.
            – Mazura
            Dec 30 '18 at 22:05
















          22














          If you’re looking for vulgar slang, “fuckup” is a good option:




          an extremely offensive word for someone who often makes serious mistakes or fails completely




          https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/fuck-up_2



          Screw up works too, but it’s not as offensive.



          Both of these words are also verbs.






          share|improve this answer





















          • That seems somewhat judgemental of the person's character.
            – einpoklum
            Dec 28 '18 at 23:14












          • @einpoklum I do think that, if I’m understanding Russian culture correctly, asshands can be used as a judgement of character.
            – NonCreature0714
            Dec 29 '18 at 8:45












          • I agree with @einpoklum, I think that "fuckup" or "screwup" is too broad in meaning. If it was "растяпа" (bumbler,muddler,wally) then maybe, but I understand "рукожоп" as being particularly about lacking in manual skills.
            – JohnGH
            Dec 29 '18 at 20:08










          • fuckup is good. fucktard is even better.
            – Mazura
            Dec 30 '18 at 22:05














          22












          22








          22






          If you’re looking for vulgar slang, “fuckup” is a good option:




          an extremely offensive word for someone who often makes serious mistakes or fails completely




          https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/fuck-up_2



          Screw up works too, but it’s not as offensive.



          Both of these words are also verbs.






          share|improve this answer












          If you’re looking for vulgar slang, “fuckup” is a good option:




          an extremely offensive word for someone who often makes serious mistakes or fails completely




          https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/fuck-up_2



          Screw up works too, but it’s not as offensive.



          Both of these words are also verbs.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Dec 27 '18 at 23:35









          LaurelLaurel

          31.5k660112




          31.5k660112












          • That seems somewhat judgemental of the person's character.
            – einpoklum
            Dec 28 '18 at 23:14












          • @einpoklum I do think that, if I’m understanding Russian culture correctly, asshands can be used as a judgement of character.
            – NonCreature0714
            Dec 29 '18 at 8:45












          • I agree with @einpoklum, I think that "fuckup" or "screwup" is too broad in meaning. If it was "растяпа" (bumbler,muddler,wally) then maybe, but I understand "рукожоп" as being particularly about lacking in manual skills.
            – JohnGH
            Dec 29 '18 at 20:08










          • fuckup is good. fucktard is even better.
            – Mazura
            Dec 30 '18 at 22:05


















          • That seems somewhat judgemental of the person's character.
            – einpoklum
            Dec 28 '18 at 23:14












          • @einpoklum I do think that, if I’m understanding Russian culture correctly, asshands can be used as a judgement of character.
            – NonCreature0714
            Dec 29 '18 at 8:45












          • I agree with @einpoklum, I think that "fuckup" or "screwup" is too broad in meaning. If it was "растяпа" (bumbler,muddler,wally) then maybe, but I understand "рукожоп" as being particularly about lacking in manual skills.
            – JohnGH
            Dec 29 '18 at 20:08










          • fuckup is good. fucktard is even better.
            – Mazura
            Dec 30 '18 at 22:05
















          That seems somewhat judgemental of the person's character.
          – einpoklum
          Dec 28 '18 at 23:14






          That seems somewhat judgemental of the person's character.
          – einpoklum
          Dec 28 '18 at 23:14














          @einpoklum I do think that, if I’m understanding Russian culture correctly, asshands can be used as a judgement of character.
          – NonCreature0714
          Dec 29 '18 at 8:45






          @einpoklum I do think that, if I’m understanding Russian culture correctly, asshands can be used as a judgement of character.
          – NonCreature0714
          Dec 29 '18 at 8:45














          I agree with @einpoklum, I think that "fuckup" or "screwup" is too broad in meaning. If it was "растяпа" (bumbler,muddler,wally) then maybe, but I understand "рукожоп" as being particularly about lacking in manual skills.
          – JohnGH
          Dec 29 '18 at 20:08




          I agree with @einpoklum, I think that "fuckup" or "screwup" is too broad in meaning. If it was "растяпа" (bumbler,muddler,wally) then maybe, but I understand "рукожоп" as being particularly about lacking in manual skills.
          – JohnGH
          Dec 29 '18 at 20:08












          fuckup is good. fucktard is even better.
          – Mazura
          Dec 30 '18 at 22:05




          fuckup is good. fucktard is even better.
          – Mazura
          Dec 30 '18 at 22:05











          15














          Incompetent springs to mind:




          a. Of inadequate ability or fitness; not having the requisite capacity or qualification; incapable.



          B. An incompetent person.




          While we have a lot of fun slang terms here, this would be a term you could use either casually or in a slightly more formal setting.



          I've also seen "Incompetent" used as an insult ("Are you incompetent, boy?"), so it would work to be more self-deprecating.






          share|improve this answer













          We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.



















            15














            Incompetent springs to mind:




            a. Of inadequate ability or fitness; not having the requisite capacity or qualification; incapable.



            B. An incompetent person.




            While we have a lot of fun slang terms here, this would be a term you could use either casually or in a slightly more formal setting.



            I've also seen "Incompetent" used as an insult ("Are you incompetent, boy?"), so it would work to be more self-deprecating.






            share|improve this answer













            We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.

















              15












              15








              15






              Incompetent springs to mind:




              a. Of inadequate ability or fitness; not having the requisite capacity or qualification; incapable.



              B. An incompetent person.




              While we have a lot of fun slang terms here, this would be a term you could use either casually or in a slightly more formal setting.



              I've also seen "Incompetent" used as an insult ("Are you incompetent, boy?"), so it would work to be more self-deprecating.






              share|improve this answer














              Incompetent springs to mind:




              a. Of inadequate ability or fitness; not having the requisite capacity or qualification; incapable.



              B. An incompetent person.




              While we have a lot of fun slang terms here, this would be a term you could use either casually or in a slightly more formal setting.



              I've also seen "Incompetent" used as an insult ("Are you incompetent, boy?"), so it would work to be more self-deprecating.







              share|improve this answer














              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer








              edited Dec 30 '18 at 3:25

























              answered Dec 28 '18 at 16:14









              scohe001scohe001

              2,3111120




              2,3111120



              We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.




              We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
























                  11














                  "Butterfingers" might be a good word considering the context you used regarding the term "asshands". Generally it implies someone inept with their hands, or lacking in manual dexterity.



                  As a more brusque offensive term, I'd use the word "Fuck-up."






                  share|improve this answer











                  Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.










                  • 5




                    This is usually used in the sense of dropping things (literally as though your fingers were slippery with butter) rather than generally lacking dexterity though.
                    – Alchymist
                    Dec 28 '18 at 15:07
















                  11














                  "Butterfingers" might be a good word considering the context you used regarding the term "asshands". Generally it implies someone inept with their hands, or lacking in manual dexterity.



                  As a more brusque offensive term, I'd use the word "Fuck-up."






                  share|improve this answer











                  Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.










                  • 5




                    This is usually used in the sense of dropping things (literally as though your fingers were slippery with butter) rather than generally lacking dexterity though.
                    – Alchymist
                    Dec 28 '18 at 15:07














                  11












                  11








                  11






                  "Butterfingers" might be a good word considering the context you used regarding the term "asshands". Generally it implies someone inept with their hands, or lacking in manual dexterity.



                  As a more brusque offensive term, I'd use the word "Fuck-up."






                  share|improve this answer












                  "Butterfingers" might be a good word considering the context you used regarding the term "asshands". Generally it implies someone inept with their hands, or lacking in manual dexterity.



                  As a more brusque offensive term, I'd use the word "Fuck-up."







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Dec 28 '18 at 9:46









                  SandwichSandwich

                  42524




                  42524



                  Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.




                  Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.









                  • 5




                    This is usually used in the sense of dropping things (literally as though your fingers were slippery with butter) rather than generally lacking dexterity though.
                    – Alchymist
                    Dec 28 '18 at 15:07














                  • 5




                    This is usually used in the sense of dropping things (literally as though your fingers were slippery with butter) rather than generally lacking dexterity though.
                    – Alchymist
                    Dec 28 '18 at 15:07








                  5




                  5




                  This is usually used in the sense of dropping things (literally as though your fingers were slippery with butter) rather than generally lacking dexterity though.
                  – Alchymist
                  Dec 28 '18 at 15:07




                  This is usually used in the sense of dropping things (literally as though your fingers were slippery with butter) rather than generally lacking dexterity though.
                  – Alchymist
                  Dec 28 '18 at 15:07











                  8














                  A bumbler is informal without being vulgar or obscene.




                  He can't do anything right. He is a bumbler.







                  share|improve this answer











                  Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.














                  • Tharpa, this isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of bumbler (linked to the source)? For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
                    – Chappo
                    Dec 29 '18 at 23:00
















                  8














                  A bumbler is informal without being vulgar or obscene.




                  He can't do anything right. He is a bumbler.







                  share|improve this answer











                  Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.














                  • Tharpa, this isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of bumbler (linked to the source)? For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
                    – Chappo
                    Dec 29 '18 at 23:00














                  8












                  8








                  8






                  A bumbler is informal without being vulgar or obscene.




                  He can't do anything right. He is a bumbler.







                  share|improve this answer












                  A bumbler is informal without being vulgar or obscene.




                  He can't do anything right. He is a bumbler.








                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Dec 28 '18 at 18:44









                  TharpaTharpa

                  53935




                  53935



                  Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.




                  Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.













                  • Tharpa, this isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of bumbler (linked to the source)? For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
                    – Chappo
                    Dec 29 '18 at 23:00


















                  • Tharpa, this isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of bumbler (linked to the source)? For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
                    – Chappo
                    Dec 29 '18 at 23:00
















                  Tharpa, this isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of bumbler (linked to the source)? For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
                  – Chappo
                  Dec 29 '18 at 23:00




                  Tharpa, this isn't a bad start, but it's too short: the system has flagged it as "low-quality because of its length and content." An answer on EL&U is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct. Can I suggest you edit your answer to provide more information - e.g., add a published definition of bumbler (linked to the source)? For further guidance, see How to Answer and take the EL&U Tour :-)
                  – Chappo
                  Dec 29 '18 at 23:00











                  8















                  schlemiel




                  A person who fouls up everything by incompetence or bad luck. It was borrowed into English from Yiddish which is from a name of a character in a story (1813).



                  Compare with schlemazel.
                  Which actually means 'bad luck' (schlim mazel).



                  The saying goes, in order to tell which is which, is that the person who spills their bowl of soup is the schlemiel, and the person they spill it on is the schlemazel.






                  share|improve this answer

















                  • 4




                    Laverne & Shirley fan? I don't think this is in common enough usage today to be effective. I don't think most people would know what this means.
                    – JeffC
                    Dec 29 '18 at 17:25






                  • 1




                    @JeffC many Yiddishisms were much more common in the past, especially in the NYC area. But every so often pop culture will revive one of them. Verklempt, meh, putz, spritz. Schlemiel wass definitely made more popular by L&S.
                    – Mitch
                    Dec 30 '18 at 1:05
















                  8















                  schlemiel




                  A person who fouls up everything by incompetence or bad luck. It was borrowed into English from Yiddish which is from a name of a character in a story (1813).



                  Compare with schlemazel.
                  Which actually means 'bad luck' (schlim mazel).



                  The saying goes, in order to tell which is which, is that the person who spills their bowl of soup is the schlemiel, and the person they spill it on is the schlemazel.






                  share|improve this answer

















                  • 4




                    Laverne & Shirley fan? I don't think this is in common enough usage today to be effective. I don't think most people would know what this means.
                    – JeffC
                    Dec 29 '18 at 17:25






                  • 1




                    @JeffC many Yiddishisms were much more common in the past, especially in the NYC area. But every so often pop culture will revive one of them. Verklempt, meh, putz, spritz. Schlemiel wass definitely made more popular by L&S.
                    – Mitch
                    Dec 30 '18 at 1:05














                  8












                  8








                  8







                  schlemiel




                  A person who fouls up everything by incompetence or bad luck. It was borrowed into English from Yiddish which is from a name of a character in a story (1813).



                  Compare with schlemazel.
                  Which actually means 'bad luck' (schlim mazel).



                  The saying goes, in order to tell which is which, is that the person who spills their bowl of soup is the schlemiel, and the person they spill it on is the schlemazel.






                  share|improve this answer













                  schlemiel




                  A person who fouls up everything by incompetence or bad luck. It was borrowed into English from Yiddish which is from a name of a character in a story (1813).



                  Compare with schlemazel.
                  Which actually means 'bad luck' (schlim mazel).



                  The saying goes, in order to tell which is which, is that the person who spills their bowl of soup is the schlemiel, and the person they spill it on is the schlemazel.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Dec 29 '18 at 0:57









                  MitchMitch

                  50.7k15103212




                  50.7k15103212








                  • 4




                    Laverne & Shirley fan? I don't think this is in common enough usage today to be effective. I don't think most people would know what this means.
                    – JeffC
                    Dec 29 '18 at 17:25






                  • 1




                    @JeffC many Yiddishisms were much more common in the past, especially in the NYC area. But every so often pop culture will revive one of them. Verklempt, meh, putz, spritz. Schlemiel wass definitely made more popular by L&S.
                    – Mitch
                    Dec 30 '18 at 1:05














                  • 4




                    Laverne & Shirley fan? I don't think this is in common enough usage today to be effective. I don't think most people would know what this means.
                    – JeffC
                    Dec 29 '18 at 17:25






                  • 1




                    @JeffC many Yiddishisms were much more common in the past, especially in the NYC area. But every so often pop culture will revive one of them. Verklempt, meh, putz, spritz. Schlemiel wass definitely made more popular by L&S.
                    – Mitch
                    Dec 30 '18 at 1:05








                  4




                  4




                  Laverne & Shirley fan? I don't think this is in common enough usage today to be effective. I don't think most people would know what this means.
                  – JeffC
                  Dec 29 '18 at 17:25




                  Laverne & Shirley fan? I don't think this is in common enough usage today to be effective. I don't think most people would know what this means.
                  – JeffC
                  Dec 29 '18 at 17:25




                  1




                  1




                  @JeffC many Yiddishisms were much more common in the past, especially in the NYC area. But every so often pop culture will revive one of them. Verklempt, meh, putz, spritz. Schlemiel wass definitely made more popular by L&S.
                  – Mitch
                  Dec 30 '18 at 1:05




                  @JeffC many Yiddishisms were much more common in the past, especially in the NYC area. But every so often pop culture will revive one of them. Verklempt, meh, putz, spritz. Schlemiel wass definitely made more popular by L&S.
                  – Mitch
                  Dec 30 '18 at 1:05











                  6














                  An idiom, that seems somewhat similar to the Russian one, is
                  No dad, i’m all fingers and thumbs, I'll probably end up hanging it upside down.




                  be all fingers and thumbs.

                  To be clumsy with one's hands. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Tom could never be a surgeon—he's all fingers and thumbs. Can you sew this button on for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs.

                  - thefreedictionary.com







                  share|improve this answer



















                  • 1




                    This is a verbal phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person").
                    – Chappo
                    Dec 28 '18 at 10:55






                  • 1




                    @Chappo I did not think “an informal term for a person” meant it was limited to nouns, but I guess it would be best if OP edited question to be more specific.
                    – k1eran
                    Dec 28 '18 at 11:18
















                  6














                  An idiom, that seems somewhat similar to the Russian one, is
                  No dad, i’m all fingers and thumbs, I'll probably end up hanging it upside down.




                  be all fingers and thumbs.

                  To be clumsy with one's hands. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Tom could never be a surgeon—he's all fingers and thumbs. Can you sew this button on for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs.

                  - thefreedictionary.com







                  share|improve this answer



















                  • 1




                    This is a verbal phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person").
                    – Chappo
                    Dec 28 '18 at 10:55






                  • 1




                    @Chappo I did not think “an informal term for a person” meant it was limited to nouns, but I guess it would be best if OP edited question to be more specific.
                    – k1eran
                    Dec 28 '18 at 11:18














                  6












                  6








                  6






                  An idiom, that seems somewhat similar to the Russian one, is
                  No dad, i’m all fingers and thumbs, I'll probably end up hanging it upside down.




                  be all fingers and thumbs.

                  To be clumsy with one's hands. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Tom could never be a surgeon—he's all fingers and thumbs. Can you sew this button on for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs.

                  - thefreedictionary.com







                  share|improve this answer














                  An idiom, that seems somewhat similar to the Russian one, is
                  No dad, i’m all fingers and thumbs, I'll probably end up hanging it upside down.




                  be all fingers and thumbs.

                  To be clumsy with one's hands. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Tom could never be a surgeon—he's all fingers and thumbs. Can you sew this button on for me? I'm all fingers and thumbs.

                  - thefreedictionary.com








                  share|improve this answer














                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited Dec 28 '18 at 3:33

























                  answered Dec 28 '18 at 3:26









                  k1erank1eran

                  18.5k63777




                  18.5k63777








                  • 1




                    This is a verbal phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person").
                    – Chappo
                    Dec 28 '18 at 10:55






                  • 1




                    @Chappo I did not think “an informal term for a person” meant it was limited to nouns, but I guess it would be best if OP edited question to be more specific.
                    – k1eran
                    Dec 28 '18 at 11:18














                  • 1




                    This is a verbal phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person").
                    – Chappo
                    Dec 28 '18 at 10:55






                  • 1




                    @Chappo I did not think “an informal term for a person” meant it was limited to nouns, but I guess it would be best if OP edited question to be more specific.
                    – k1eran
                    Dec 28 '18 at 11:18








                  1




                  1




                  This is a verbal phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person").
                  – Chappo
                  Dec 28 '18 at 10:55




                  This is a verbal phrase, whereas the question asks for a noun ("an informal term for a person").
                  – Chappo
                  Dec 28 '18 at 10:55




                  1




                  1




                  @Chappo I did not think “an informal term for a person” meant it was limited to nouns, but I guess it would be best if OP edited question to be more specific.
                  – k1eran
                  Dec 28 '18 at 11:18




                  @Chappo I did not think “an informal term for a person” meant it was limited to nouns, but I guess it would be best if OP edited question to be more specific.
                  – k1eran
                  Dec 28 '18 at 11:18











                  6














                  If s/he "can't do anything right" not just in terms of construction and house-work, but more generally, you can call that person a good-for-nothing.



                  Dictionary definition:




                  good-for-noth·ing

                  (go͝od′fər-nŭth′ĭng)



                  noun: A person of little worth or usefulness.
                  adjective: Having little worth; useless.







                  share|improve this answer











                  We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.














                  • Just because someone is too clumsy to hang a picture, doesn't mean they are a good-for-nothing. They might be excellent at mathematics or poetry or managing a company.
                    – chasly from UK
                    Dec 29 '18 at 22:37
















                  6














                  If s/he "can't do anything right" not just in terms of construction and house-work, but more generally, you can call that person a good-for-nothing.



                  Dictionary definition:




                  good-for-noth·ing

                  (go͝od′fər-nŭth′ĭng)



                  noun: A person of little worth or usefulness.
                  adjective: Having little worth; useless.







                  share|improve this answer











                  We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.














                  • Just because someone is too clumsy to hang a picture, doesn't mean they are a good-for-nothing. They might be excellent at mathematics or poetry or managing a company.
                    – chasly from UK
                    Dec 29 '18 at 22:37














                  6












                  6








                  6






                  If s/he "can't do anything right" not just in terms of construction and house-work, but more generally, you can call that person a good-for-nothing.



                  Dictionary definition:




                  good-for-noth·ing

                  (go͝od′fər-nŭth′ĭng)



                  noun: A person of little worth or usefulness.
                  adjective: Having little worth; useless.







                  share|improve this answer












                  If s/he "can't do anything right" not just in terms of construction and house-work, but more generally, you can call that person a good-for-nothing.



                  Dictionary definition:




                  good-for-noth·ing

                  (go͝od′fər-nŭth′ĭng)



                  noun: A person of little worth or usefulness.
                  adjective: Having little worth; useless.








                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Dec 28 '18 at 23:12









                  einpoklumeinpoklum

                  1,60732138




                  1,60732138



                  We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.




                  We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.













                  • Just because someone is too clumsy to hang a picture, doesn't mean they are a good-for-nothing. They might be excellent at mathematics or poetry or managing a company.
                    – chasly from UK
                    Dec 29 '18 at 22:37


















                  • Just because someone is too clumsy to hang a picture, doesn't mean they are a good-for-nothing. They might be excellent at mathematics or poetry or managing a company.
                    – chasly from UK
                    Dec 29 '18 at 22:37
















                  Just because someone is too clumsy to hang a picture, doesn't mean they are a good-for-nothing. They might be excellent at mathematics or poetry or managing a company.
                  – chasly from UK
                  Dec 29 '18 at 22:37




                  Just because someone is too clumsy to hang a picture, doesn't mean they are a good-for-nothing. They might be excellent at mathematics or poetry or managing a company.
                  – chasly from UK
                  Dec 29 '18 at 22:37











                  3














                  doofus or less commonly dufus. Same meaning.




                  a stupid, incompetent, or foolish person.




                  MW notes that the word is slang, and that it's relatively recent (first known use 1960).



                  Further background: there's also some connection to the 1959 TV show "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis". And Hipsterdufus is apparently now a thing.






                  share|improve this answer













                  We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.



















                    3














                    doofus or less commonly dufus. Same meaning.




                    a stupid, incompetent, or foolish person.




                    MW notes that the word is slang, and that it's relatively recent (first known use 1960).



                    Further background: there's also some connection to the 1959 TV show "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis". And Hipsterdufus is apparently now a thing.






                    share|improve this answer













                    We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.

















                      3












                      3








                      3






                      doofus or less commonly dufus. Same meaning.




                      a stupid, incompetent, or foolish person.




                      MW notes that the word is slang, and that it's relatively recent (first known use 1960).



                      Further background: there's also some connection to the 1959 TV show "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis". And Hipsterdufus is apparently now a thing.






                      share|improve this answer














                      doofus or less commonly dufus. Same meaning.




                      a stupid, incompetent, or foolish person.




                      MW notes that the word is slang, and that it's relatively recent (first known use 1960).



                      Further background: there's also some connection to the 1959 TV show "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis". And Hipsterdufus is apparently now a thing.







                      share|improve this answer














                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer








                      edited Dec 30 '18 at 3:44









                      Chappo

                      2,64541225




                      2,64541225










                      answered Dec 29 '18 at 5:39









                      Wayfaring StrangerWayfaring Stranger

                      7,63221529




                      7,63221529



                      We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.




                      We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
























                          2














                          Noun: Useless Tit

                          Adjective: Tit-useless



                          Often but not always applied to males, probably related to the non-functionality of the male breast.




                          Dave is a useless tit.



                          Dave is tit-useless at anything.




                          Probably a contraction of "...as useless as tits on a nun/bull/ram/log"



                          Supporting link: https://www.answerbag.com/q_view/53418






                          share|improve this answer













                          Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.










                          • 1




                            "Tit" seems to indicate an intentional insult. Am I wrong? If not, I don't think OP wanted that shade of meaning.
                            – einpoklum
                            Dec 29 '18 at 22:36
















                          2














                          Noun: Useless Tit

                          Adjective: Tit-useless



                          Often but not always applied to males, probably related to the non-functionality of the male breast.




                          Dave is a useless tit.



                          Dave is tit-useless at anything.




                          Probably a contraction of "...as useless as tits on a nun/bull/ram/log"



                          Supporting link: https://www.answerbag.com/q_view/53418






                          share|improve this answer













                          Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.










                          • 1




                            "Tit" seems to indicate an intentional insult. Am I wrong? If not, I don't think OP wanted that shade of meaning.
                            – einpoklum
                            Dec 29 '18 at 22:36














                          2












                          2








                          2






                          Noun: Useless Tit

                          Adjective: Tit-useless



                          Often but not always applied to males, probably related to the non-functionality of the male breast.




                          Dave is a useless tit.



                          Dave is tit-useless at anything.




                          Probably a contraction of "...as useless as tits on a nun/bull/ram/log"



                          Supporting link: https://www.answerbag.com/q_view/53418






                          share|improve this answer














                          Noun: Useless Tit

                          Adjective: Tit-useless



                          Often but not always applied to males, probably related to the non-functionality of the male breast.




                          Dave is a useless tit.



                          Dave is tit-useless at anything.




                          Probably a contraction of "...as useless as tits on a nun/bull/ram/log"



                          Supporting link: https://www.answerbag.com/q_view/53418







                          share|improve this answer














                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer








                          edited Dec 29 '18 at 21:45

























                          answered Dec 29 '18 at 4:06









                          CriggieCriggie

                          910514




                          910514



                          Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.




                          Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.









                          • 1




                            "Tit" seems to indicate an intentional insult. Am I wrong? If not, I don't think OP wanted that shade of meaning.
                            – einpoklum
                            Dec 29 '18 at 22:36














                          • 1




                            "Tit" seems to indicate an intentional insult. Am I wrong? If not, I don't think OP wanted that shade of meaning.
                            – einpoklum
                            Dec 29 '18 at 22:36








                          1




                          1




                          "Tit" seems to indicate an intentional insult. Am I wrong? If not, I don't think OP wanted that shade of meaning.
                          – einpoklum
                          Dec 29 '18 at 22:36




                          "Tit" seems to indicate an intentional insult. Am I wrong? If not, I don't think OP wanted that shade of meaning.
                          – einpoklum
                          Dec 29 '18 at 22:36











                          1














                          A sad sack is a blundering, inept person.



                          MW defines it as "US, informal", and says the first known use with this meaning is from 1943. However, etymonline says:




                          sad sack is 1920s, popularized by World War II armed forces
                          (specifically by cartoon character invented by Sgt. George Baker,
                          1942, and published in U.S. Armed Forces magazine "Yank"), probably a
                          euphemistic shortening of common military slang phrase sad sack of
                          shit                          .




                          The term comes from a military context, a soldier who can't seem to do anything correctly.



                          The definitions in the Urban Dictionary seem to turn the meaning more toward a depressed or depressing person. But the original context used sad in the sense of pitiful.






                          share|improve this answer























                          • Thanks for finding that! Unfortunately, I don't know how to do that from my phone.
                            – already puzzled
                            Dec 28 '18 at 21:47










                          • I've added the links/detail but you might like to re-edit your middle paragraphs in light of the (slightly duplicated) etymological discussion. :-)
                            – Chappo
                            Dec 29 '18 at 22:58










                          • Thanks! Feel free to touch up.
                            – already puzzled
                            Dec 30 '18 at 3:15
















                          1














                          A sad sack is a blundering, inept person.



                          MW defines it as "US, informal", and says the first known use with this meaning is from 1943. However, etymonline says:




                          sad sack is 1920s, popularized by World War II armed forces
                          (specifically by cartoon character invented by Sgt. George Baker,
                          1942, and published in U.S. Armed Forces magazine "Yank"), probably a
                          euphemistic shortening of common military slang phrase sad sack of
                          shit                          .




                          The term comes from a military context, a soldier who can't seem to do anything correctly.



                          The definitions in the Urban Dictionary seem to turn the meaning more toward a depressed or depressing person. But the original context used sad in the sense of pitiful.






                          share|improve this answer























                          • Thanks for finding that! Unfortunately, I don't know how to do that from my phone.
                            – already puzzled
                            Dec 28 '18 at 21:47










                          • I've added the links/detail but you might like to re-edit your middle paragraphs in light of the (slightly duplicated) etymological discussion. :-)
                            – Chappo
                            Dec 29 '18 at 22:58










                          • Thanks! Feel free to touch up.
                            – already puzzled
                            Dec 30 '18 at 3:15














                          1












                          1








                          1






                          A sad sack is a blundering, inept person.



                          MW defines it as "US, informal", and says the first known use with this meaning is from 1943. However, etymonline says:




                          sad sack is 1920s, popularized by World War II armed forces
                          (specifically by cartoon character invented by Sgt. George Baker,
                          1942, and published in U.S. Armed Forces magazine "Yank"), probably a
                          euphemistic shortening of common military slang phrase sad sack of
                          shit                          .




                          The term comes from a military context, a soldier who can't seem to do anything correctly.



                          The definitions in the Urban Dictionary seem to turn the meaning more toward a depressed or depressing person. But the original context used sad in the sense of pitiful.






                          share|improve this answer














                          A sad sack is a blundering, inept person.



                          MW defines it as "US, informal", and says the first known use with this meaning is from 1943. However, etymonline says:




                          sad sack is 1920s, popularized by World War II armed forces
                          (specifically by cartoon character invented by Sgt. George Baker,
                          1942, and published in U.S. Armed Forces magazine "Yank"), probably a
                          euphemistic shortening of common military slang phrase sad sack of
                          shit                          .




                          The term comes from a military context, a soldier who can't seem to do anything correctly.



                          The definitions in the Urban Dictionary seem to turn the meaning more toward a depressed or depressing person. But the original context used sad in the sense of pitiful.







                          share|improve this answer














                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer








                          edited Dec 30 '18 at 3:14

























                          answered Dec 28 '18 at 12:01









                          already puzzledalready puzzled

                          1895




                          1895












                          • Thanks for finding that! Unfortunately, I don't know how to do that from my phone.
                            – already puzzled
                            Dec 28 '18 at 21:47










                          • I've added the links/detail but you might like to re-edit your middle paragraphs in light of the (slightly duplicated) etymological discussion. :-)
                            – Chappo
                            Dec 29 '18 at 22:58










                          • Thanks! Feel free to touch up.
                            – already puzzled
                            Dec 30 '18 at 3:15


















                          • Thanks for finding that! Unfortunately, I don't know how to do that from my phone.
                            – already puzzled
                            Dec 28 '18 at 21:47










                          • I've added the links/detail but you might like to re-edit your middle paragraphs in light of the (slightly duplicated) etymological discussion. :-)
                            – Chappo
                            Dec 29 '18 at 22:58










                          • Thanks! Feel free to touch up.
                            – already puzzled
                            Dec 30 '18 at 3:15
















                          Thanks for finding that! Unfortunately, I don't know how to do that from my phone.
                          – already puzzled
                          Dec 28 '18 at 21:47




                          Thanks for finding that! Unfortunately, I don't know how to do that from my phone.
                          – already puzzled
                          Dec 28 '18 at 21:47












                          I've added the links/detail but you might like to re-edit your middle paragraphs in light of the (slightly duplicated) etymological discussion. :-)
                          – Chappo
                          Dec 29 '18 at 22:58




                          I've added the links/detail but you might like to re-edit your middle paragraphs in light of the (slightly duplicated) etymological discussion. :-)
                          – Chappo
                          Dec 29 '18 at 22:58












                          Thanks! Feel free to touch up.
                          – already puzzled
                          Dec 30 '18 at 3:15




                          Thanks! Feel free to touch up.
                          – already puzzled
                          Dec 30 '18 at 3:15











                          1














                          Inept



                          https://www.thefreedictionary.com/inept



                          in·ept (ĭn-ĕpt′)

                          adj.

                          1. Lacking or showing a lack of skill or competence; bungling or clumsy: an inept actor; an inept performance.

                          2. Showing a lack of judgment, sense, or reason; inappropriate or foolish: an inept remark.






                          share|improve this answer


























                            1














                            Inept



                            https://www.thefreedictionary.com/inept



                            in·ept (ĭn-ĕpt′)

                            adj.

                            1. Lacking or showing a lack of skill or competence; bungling or clumsy: an inept actor; an inept performance.

                            2. Showing a lack of judgment, sense, or reason; inappropriate or foolish: an inept remark.






                            share|improve this answer
























                              1












                              1








                              1






                              Inept



                              https://www.thefreedictionary.com/inept



                              in·ept (ĭn-ĕpt′)

                              adj.

                              1. Lacking or showing a lack of skill or competence; bungling or clumsy: an inept actor; an inept performance.

                              2. Showing a lack of judgment, sense, or reason; inappropriate or foolish: an inept remark.






                              share|improve this answer












                              Inept



                              https://www.thefreedictionary.com/inept



                              in·ept (ĭn-ĕpt′)

                              adj.

                              1. Lacking or showing a lack of skill or competence; bungling or clumsy: an inept actor; an inept performance.

                              2. Showing a lack of judgment, sense, or reason; inappropriate or foolish: an inept remark.







                              share|improve this answer












                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer










                              answered Dec 30 '18 at 17:34









                              Michael DurrantMichael Durrant

                              6871412




                              6871412























                                  1














                                  Adding nincompoop as a suggestion.




                                  A silly or foolish person.




                                  A slightly older word in UK English so not too widely used.






                                  share|improve this answer


























                                    1














                                    Adding nincompoop as a suggestion.




                                    A silly or foolish person.




                                    A slightly older word in UK English so not too widely used.






                                    share|improve this answer
























                                      1












                                      1








                                      1






                                      Adding nincompoop as a suggestion.




                                      A silly or foolish person.




                                      A slightly older word in UK English so not too widely used.






                                      share|improve this answer












                                      Adding nincompoop as a suggestion.




                                      A silly or foolish person.




                                      A slightly older word in UK English so not too widely used.







                                      share|improve this answer












                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer










                                      answered Dec 31 '18 at 8:53









                                      Adam NaylorAdam Naylor

                                      156116




                                      156116























                                          0














                                          There is a word we use called Nixie. It comes from the German word Nichtse which means a slacker/good-for-nothing.
                                          The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community.






                                          share|improve this answer











                                          Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.










                                          • 2




                                            "The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community" - should we infer anything from this? ;-)
                                            – Chappo
                                            Dec 29 '18 at 0:36






                                          • 2




                                            "Nichtse" never heard this. Would it perhaps be Dutch?
                                            – alk
                                            Dec 29 '18 at 18:26












                                          • A think of a Nixie as a water spirit.
                                            – Ben
                                            Dec 30 '18 at 18:38
















                                          0














                                          There is a word we use called Nixie. It comes from the German word Nichtse which means a slacker/good-for-nothing.
                                          The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community.






                                          share|improve this answer











                                          Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.










                                          • 2




                                            "The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community" - should we infer anything from this? ;-)
                                            – Chappo
                                            Dec 29 '18 at 0:36






                                          • 2




                                            "Nichtse" never heard this. Would it perhaps be Dutch?
                                            – alk
                                            Dec 29 '18 at 18:26












                                          • A think of a Nixie as a water spirit.
                                            – Ben
                                            Dec 30 '18 at 18:38














                                          0












                                          0








                                          0






                                          There is a word we use called Nixie. It comes from the German word Nichtse which means a slacker/good-for-nothing.
                                          The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community.






                                          share|improve this answer












                                          There is a word we use called Nixie. It comes from the German word Nichtse which means a slacker/good-for-nothing.
                                          The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community.







                                          share|improve this answer












                                          share|improve this answer



                                          share|improve this answer










                                          answered Dec 29 '18 at 0:30









                                          Tyler WeaverTyler Weaver

                                          1584




                                          1584



                                          Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.




                                          Some of the information contained in this post requires additional references. Please edit to add citations to reliable sources that support the assertions made here. Unsourced material may be disputed or deleted.









                                          • 2




                                            "The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community" - should we infer anything from this? ;-)
                                            – Chappo
                                            Dec 29 '18 at 0:36






                                          • 2




                                            "Nichtse" never heard this. Would it perhaps be Dutch?
                                            – alk
                                            Dec 29 '18 at 18:26












                                          • A think of a Nixie as a water spirit.
                                            – Ben
                                            Dec 30 '18 at 18:38














                                          • 2




                                            "The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community" - should we infer anything from this? ;-)
                                            – Chappo
                                            Dec 29 '18 at 0:36






                                          • 2




                                            "Nichtse" never heard this. Would it perhaps be Dutch?
                                            – alk
                                            Dec 29 '18 at 18:26












                                          • A think of a Nixie as a water spirit.
                                            – Ben
                                            Dec 30 '18 at 18:38








                                          2




                                          2




                                          "The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community" - should we infer anything from this? ;-)
                                          – Chappo
                                          Dec 29 '18 at 0:36




                                          "The word is very popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community" - should we infer anything from this? ;-)
                                          – Chappo
                                          Dec 29 '18 at 0:36




                                          2




                                          2




                                          "Nichtse" never heard this. Would it perhaps be Dutch?
                                          – alk
                                          Dec 29 '18 at 18:26






                                          "Nichtse" never heard this. Would it perhaps be Dutch?
                                          – alk
                                          Dec 29 '18 at 18:26














                                          A think of a Nixie as a water spirit.
                                          – Ben
                                          Dec 30 '18 at 18:38




                                          A think of a Nixie as a water spirit.
                                          – Ben
                                          Dec 30 '18 at 18:38





                                          protected by Andrew Leach♦ Dec 29 '18 at 9:47



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