hobbledehoy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an awkward, gawky, or ill-mannered adolescent boy

   The shy hobbledehoy knocked over a chair while trying to greet the guests.

Recorded in the sixteenth century in shifting forms such as hobberdehoy and hobbard de hoy. Its origin is uncertain; the modern spelling was probably reshaped under the influence of hobble, suggesting awkward movement. The word is now archaic or humorous.

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