clod

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "clod" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally means a lump or mass of earth or clay, and is often used metaphorically to refer to someone or something that is thoughtless or unrefined. For example, you could say "He's a bit of a clod when it comes to handling social situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Lovers are expected to swap sweet nothings many times a day and woe betide the clod who forgets a "100-day anniversary".

The Economist

* While daft-as-a-brush Dave (PM) is busy making a clod of himself impersonating well-known television personalities in the House of Commons, friends of his trusty sidekick Gideon Osborne are already looking forward to the Chancellor's 40th birthday bash next month.

Independent

When his uncle scoffed at the idea, Han Xiang performed the impossible before his uncle's eyes: flowers suddenly appeared in bloom from a clod of earth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With that nebbish, that clod, that numbskull, that schlemiel you call a husband?" The truth was I'd given up waiting long before.

The New Yorker

"Get off me," she said in a voice so flat and calm Robbie wasn't sure he'd heard it at all, and because she was an American woman and didn't commonly make use of the term "clod," she added, "you big doof".

The New Yorker

TED is a display case for such stories and, increasingly, the subject of them; the conference has grown famous for making its speakers famous, even as it claims to tread above the rough clod of celebrity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Still, a certain edginess is bound to persist until, perhaps in a generation's time, Russia becomes prosperous and democratic enough to lose the chip on the shoulder that still makes it so bad-tempered, clod-hopping and prickly.When the Soviet Union broke up six years ago, by far the loudest snap was caused by Ukraine's asserting its independence.

The Economist

The Turks think that the Americans have been clod-hopping and insensitive.

The Economist

Even worse, a clod-hopping approach to antitrust issues in Europe, a badly handled product-safety imbroglio in Belgium, an embarrassing racial-discrimination case and growing discontent among bottlers after big increases in syrup prices, had all cost Coke dear.

The Economist

This uneven musical play, with a book by Christopher Hampton and sometimes clod-hopping lyrics by Don Black, puts Alexander Hanson's louche, beautifully sung Ward centre stage as narrator and protagonist and lets him mount his own defence.

Independent

Miss Milman said she was "thrilled", and indeed did look pretty happy not to be dragged around the dancefloor by some clod-hopping man.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clod" to describe a person, ensure the context makes it clear you are referring to their perceived lack of intelligence or social grace, and not simply making a comment about their physical appearance or origin.

Common error

Avoid using "clod" in contexts where a neutral or positive description is needed. Its negative connotation can lead to misinterpretation and offense.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clod" is as a noun. It can denote a literal lump of earth or, more commonly, function as a derogatory term for a stupid or insensitive person, as evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "clod" functions primarily as a noun, often used disparagingly to describe someone unintelligent or insensitive. While it literally refers to a lump of earth, its figurative usage prevails, frequently appearing in News & Media contexts. Ludwig provides ample examples affirming its grammatical correctness and varied applications. Although "clod" is a very common word, bear in mind that using "clod" requires caution due to its negative connotation, making it less appropriate for formal or positive contexts. Semantically related alternatives such as "blockhead", "dolt", or "insensitive individual" can be considered depending on the nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dolt

Synonym emphasizing stupidity or slowness of mind.

lump of earth

Directly refers to the physical sense of "clod" as a mass of soil.

thickhead

Stresses intellectual slowness or stubbornness.

ignorant fool

Emphasizes a lack of knowledge and intelligence.

blockhead

Emphasizes lack of intelligence or understanding.

earthy mass

Highlights the natural, unrefined quality.

oafish person

Highlights clumsiness and lack of social grace.

boorish fellow

Implies rudeness and lack of manners.

insensitive individual

Focuses on the lack of emotional awareness or consideration.

clumsy individual

Focuses on physical awkwardness or lack of dexterity.

FAQs

How can I use "clod" in a sentence?

You can use "clod" to refer to a lump of earth, as in "He picked up a "clod of dirt"". It can also describe a stupid or insensitive person, such as "He acted like a complete "insensitive fool"".

What does "clod" mean?

"Clod" primarily refers to a lump of earth or clay. Figuratively, it describes a dull or stupid person.

Which is the correct way to use "clod", literally or figuratively?

Both uses are correct depending on the context. Literally, it means a lump of earth. Figuratively, it is a derogatory term for a stupid person. For example, you might say, "He's not just a simple farmer, he is a simple "simpleton"".

What's the difference between "clod" and "oaf"?

While both "clod" and "oaf" refer to someone unintelligent or clumsy, "oaf" emphasizes physical awkwardness, while "clod" focuses more on lack of intelligence or sensitivity. He acted like a complete "awkward jerk", but he is definitely not a "dolt".