'clumsy' originates from Scandinavian, specifically the word 'klumsa', where 'klumsa' meant 'to make a clumsy movement'.

'klumsa' transformed into the Middle English word 'clomsen', and eventually became the modern English word 'clumsy'.

Initially, it meant 'to make a clumsy movement', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'awkward or lacking in skill'.