Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈhɒb.əl.dɪ.hɔɪ/ (British), /ˈhɑː.bəl.dɪ.hɔɪ/ (American)

Definitions

• A clumsy or awkward young person, typically an adolescent boy.
• A youth who is neither fully a child nor a mature adult, often displaying ungainly behavior.

Usage Examples

• He moved with the gait of a true hobbledehoy, tripping over his own feet.
• The hobbledehoy stage of life is often filled with uncertainty and self-discovery.
• Grandfather chuckled at the hobbledehoy’s awkward attempts to impress his peers.
• She found his hobbledehoy charm endearing rather than embarrassing.

Etymology

The word "hobbledehoy" dates back to the mid-16th century and is of uncertain origin. It may be derived from "hobble," meaning to walk awkwardly, combined with a now-obsolete term for a youth.

Synonyms

Gawky youth, Lout, Clumsy adolescent, Ungainly lad.

Antonyms

Graceful youth, Polished young adult, Well-mannered adolescent.

Translations

More languages omitted for brevity.

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In British English, the second syllable is often more stressed than in American English, where the pronunciation is slightly softer.

Historical Usage

The term "hobbledehoy" was commonly used in 17th-century English literature to describe gangly, unpolished youths. It was often a humorous or mildly disparaging term.

Cultural Nuances

In literature, hobbledehoy characters are often found in coming-of-age stories, representing the awkward transition between childhood and adulthood.

More Information

The concept of a "hobbledehoy" appears in folklore and literature across cultures. In some traditions, this stage of life is associated with trials and lessons that help shape a person's future maturity and wisdom.