The Rice University Neologisms Database

resembling a platypus, being clumsy or awkward. Apparent Meaning: a clumsy person. Reason Used: to make fun of me for tripping and to make me laugh at the same time. My friend thought that platypuses were awkward-looking and would therefore be clumsy; used in an affectionate manner. Type of Word Formation: folk etymology from “platypus”, my friend did not know that “platypus” was the correct word, also a metaphoric extension because he thought that platypuses were clumsy.