Gawkishness

Gawkishness is the state or quality of being awkward, clumsy, and lacking in social grace, often accompanied by a certain naiveté or unsophistication. It implies a physical and behavioral awkwardness, a difficulty in navigating social situations with ease and comfort. This characteristic frequently manifests as a lack of coordination, both physically and socially, leading to unintended blunders or social missteps. Someone exhibiting gawkishness might be overly eager, clumsy, or ill-at-ease in social interactions, often unaware of, or unable to appropriately respond to, subtle social cues. It stems from a lack of polish and experience, or sometimes, an innate physical awkwardness. The term often suggests an innocent or endearing quality, especially in younger individuals, though it can also be perceived as irritating in older individuals.

Gawkishness meaning with examples

• As a teenager, his gawkishness was evident in his long limbs and tendency to trip over his own feet. He struggled to navigate social gatherings, often blurting out inappropriate comments or retreating into himself, much to the amusement of others. His attempts at dancing resulted in unintentional comedic performances, highlighting his complete lack of coordination.
• During the formal dinner, her gawkishness was apparent in her constant fumbling with the silverware and the spills she made while pouring drinks. Her attempts at polite conversation came across as strained and awkward, revealing her inexperience in such social settings, her cheeks flushing red as each attempt fell flat.
• Despite his intelligence, the new intern's gawkishness in the office was difficult to overlook. He was constantly bumping into things, asking overly-enthusiastic questions, and interrupting important conversations. While his colleagues found his enthusiasm charming, his lack of social awareness often caused disruptions in the workplace routine, which, when combined, felt very out of place.
• The young man’s gawkishness was part of his charm, the older women said, making him endearing despite his clumsy attempts to be suave. His efforts to make small talk always seemed to lead to some kind of gaffe. This innocent gaucheness often ended up winning people over, as they appreciated his genuine, albeit awkward, efforts to connect.
• Her public appearances were often marred by a certain gawkishness, stemming from a lack of experience dealing with the media. Her attempts at humor were poorly timed, her gestures seemed uncontrolled, and her words were occasionally ill-chosen. Despite her obvious discomfort, she was often admired for her sincerity and inability to appear polished.