clod
UK[klɒd]US[klɑːd]
n
A lump of earth or clay
n
A dull, stupid, or clumsy person
Etymology
The word 'clod' originates from Middle English 'clodde', which referred to a lump of earth or clay. This Middle English term evolved from Old English 'clod-', a variant form found in compounds like 'clodhamer' (fieldfare, a bird that frequents plowed land). It is related to the German 'Klotz', meaning a block or lump, and shares a Proto-Germanic root with the word 'clot'. The semantic development from a physical lump of earth to a derogatory term for a dull or stupid person is a classic example of metaphorical extension, comparing the perceived inertness and lack of refinement of a lump of soil to human qualities.
Analysis
The word is a simplex form of Germanic origin. It functions as a complete, unanalyzable root in modern English.
Examples
The gardener broke up the heavy clods of soil with a hoe.
Don't be such a clod; you nearly knocked over the entire display!
A clod of mud stuck to the heel of his boot.