noun
butterfingers
BUH-tuh-fihng-guhz
Butterfingers (noun) means a clumsy person who tends to drop things. Example: “Don't hand him the vase, he's a total butterfingers.”
noun
1
A clumsy person who tends to drop things.
"Don't hand him the vase, he's a total butterfingers."
"I am such a butterfingers. That’s the third drink I’ve spilled today."
"“That boy’s got butterfingers,” Connor went on. “That’s twice he’s dropped a tool. He’s got no place on a construction site.”"
— Cora Seton (2017)
"“I guess everyone’s got butterfingers around here,” Cole said with a sly smile. “Lucky for us, I’ve got fast reflexes.”"
— Scott Ciencin (2014)
How to use butterfingers
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone prone to dropping or fumbling things.
When to use it
Informal and typically used affectionately or teasingly.
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Word forms
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Don't hand him the vase, he's a total _____.
Etymology
From butter plus fingers — the idea that someone's hands are as slippery as if coated in butter.
Frequently asked questions
What does “butterfingers” mean?
The word “butterfingers” means a clumsy person who tends to drop things. In plain terms, someone prone to dropping or fumbling things.
How do you pronounce “butterfingers”?
“Butterfingers” is pronounced BUH-tuh-fihng-guhz (/ˈbʌtɚˌfɪŋɡɚz/ in IPA).
How do you use “butterfingers” in a sentence?
Here is “butterfingers” used in a sentence: “Don't hand him the vase, he's a total butterfingers.”
What part of speech is “butterfingers”?
“Butterfingers” is a noun.
