Pronunciation: [bˈʌtə fˈɪŋɡəd] (IPA) 
The phrase "butter fingered" is often used to describe someone who is clumsy or drops things frequently. It is spelled with a double "t" in butter and with an "-ed" suffix to indicate the past tense. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be written as "ˈbʌtər ˈfɪŋɡəd." The stress is on the first syllable of each word, and the "i" in "fingered" is pronounced like the "i" in "hit."
The term "butter fingered" is an adjective used to describe an individual who is prone to clumsiness or displays a lack of coordination when handling objects. The phrase derives its origins from the perception that butter, being slippery, may cause objects to inadvertently slip out of one's grasp. When applied to a person, it implies that they have a tendency to drop or fumble with items, often leading to mishaps or accidents.
Someone who is butter fingered is often associated with regularly making mistakes or being accident-prone when handling delicate or valuable objects. It suggests a certain level of ineptitude or lack of dexterity in their movements. This phrase is generally used in a lighthearted or humorous manner, recognizing the person's clumsiness without intending to cause offense.
While "butter fingered" specifically refers to a physical lack of coordination, it can also be metaphorically applied to situations where someone displays a lack of precision or finesse in their actions or decision-making. This broader usage implies that the individual is prone to making errors or misjudgments due to their careless or clumsy approach.
In summary, "butter fingered" refers to a person's tendency to be clumsy, lacking coordination, and prone to dropping or fumbling with objects. This term can also metaphorically extend to situations where someone demonstrates a lack of precision or accuracy.
The phrase "butterfingered" is derived from the word "butterfinger", which itself originated in the early 17th century. The term is a combination of "butter" and "finger". "Butter" refers to the smooth and slippery nature of the substance, while "finger" refers to the hand. The word "butterfinger" originally referred to a clumsy or inept person whose fingers lacked coordination or dexterity, making it difficult for them to hold onto small or delicate objects. Over time, "butterfingered" came to be used as an adjective to describe someone who is prone to dropping or fumbling things due to their lack of manual dexterity.
