Landfish

A metaphorical term, often used humorously or ironically, to describe an individual who seems out of place or inept in a terrestrial environment, particularly in activities requiring physical coordination, grace, or an understanding of typical land-based behaviors. This person might exhibit awkwardness, clumsiness, or a general lack of comfort in land-based activities, contrasting sharply with the fluidity or natural aptitude one might expect. The term often implies a sense of disconnect from the natural world or a specific set of land-based skills, highlighting a perceived incongruity between the individual and their surroundings. It’s a playful jab, suggesting the person would be more at home in water, metaphorically speaking.

Landfish meaning with examples

• After tripping over the picnic blanket landfish Jeremy took a prat fall in front of everyone. This clumsy display served to further cement his reputation among his friends as someone clearly more suited to the depths of the ocean than the dry earth beneath his feet. He always seemed to flail.
• Watching David navigate the obstacle course was hilarious; he stumbled over every log and struggled with the climbing wall. One of the group quipped 'He's a total landfish, isn't he?' David was slow and needed help with his physical prowess. This was not his area of expertise.
• During the hike, Sarah kept getting tangled in her own shoelaces and tripping over rocks. Her brother, laughing said: 'Wow, looks like we’ve got a certified landfish here!'. She was clearly not in her element on this particular day. The others were all looking quite graceful.
• The new intern spilled coffee all over the important documents, tripped on the rug, and nearly fell out of his chair during the presentation, leading the supervisor to remark, 'Well, he certainly seems to be a landfish in the office, doesn't he?'. He seemed lost.
• My friend is a remarkably intelligent programmer, but put him on a dance floor, and he becomes a complete landfish, flailing and bumping into everyone! I have never seen anything like it before. His talents just did not translate there at all.