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noun

putz

puhts
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Putz (noun) means slang for a foolish or clumsy person. Example: “Stop acting like a putz and just apologise.”

noun
1
Slang for a foolish or clumsy person.
"Stop acting like a putz and just apologise."
verb
1
To waste time doing unimportant things.
"We just putzed around the house all weekend."

How to use putz

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSlang for a fool, or to waste time on trivial things.

When to use it

Informal, American slang, mildly crude in origin.

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Word forms

Plural
putzes
Third person singular
putzes
Past tense
putzed
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Stop acting like a _____ and just apologise.

Etymology

From Yiddish pots, originally a crude word for the penis, later softened into general slang for a fool.

Origin: Yiddish

Related words

Rhymes for putz

See all rhymes for putz →

Frequently asked questions

What does “putz” mean?
The word “putz” means slang for a foolish or clumsy person. In plain terms, slang for a fool, or to waste time on trivial things.
How do you pronounce “putz”?
“Putz” is pronounced puhts (/pʌts/ in IPA).
How do you use “putz” in a sentence?
Here is “putz” used in a sentence: “Stop acting like a putz and just apologise.”
What part of speech is “putz”?
Depending on how it is used, “putz” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “putz” come from?
The word “putz” comes from Yiddish.
How many meanings does “putz” have?
“Putz” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: slang for a foolish or clumsy person.

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