schlub

or shlub

[ shluhb ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a clumsy, stupid person.

schlub

/ ʃlʌb /

noun

1. slang.
   a coarse or contemptible person

Word History and Origins

Origin of schlub¹

First recorded in 1950–55; from Yiddish zhlob, zhlub “yokel, boor,” from Polish żłób “blockhead” literally, “trough, manger”

Word History and Origins

Origin of schlub¹

Yiddish, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

“Somewhere in Queens” is a dramedy about a working-class Italian American family starring Romano as Leo, a well-intentioned schlub who works in construction with his brother and father, though they constantly remind him of his shortcomings.

From Los Angeles Times

As Knight, Affleck takes on the erudite weirdo role opposite Damon’s earnest schlub, much like in the last movie they made together, the underrated medieval epic “The Last Duel,” another meta text that used a period setting to comment on contemporary issues.

From Seattle Times

"It follows a plot that southern Indian filmmakers have loved for decades: an ambitious city girl moves to a scenic village where she gets taken down a peg by the locals and finds love with a schlub."

From BBC

Sure, he was recognized by another schlub who used to live in Albuquerque.

From Salon

Lenny Maxwell, a comedian and a schlub, would be Prince Dauntless, the sad sack who wants to get married but his mother won’t let him; since he had limited singing chops, we’d only write him the kind of dopey songs any doofus could sing.

From New York Times