Crossword Genius

Awkward university dons hanker after introduction to girls (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gauche

'awkward' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'university dons hanker after introduction to girls' is the wordplay.
'university' becomes 'U' (abbreviation for university).
'dons' is an insertion indicator (don means to wear or put on).
'hanker' becomes 'ache' (I've seen this in another clue).
'after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'introduction to' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'girls' is 'g'.
'u' put into 'ache' is 'auche'.
'auche' put after 'g' is 'GAUCHE'.

(Other definitions for gauche that I've seen before include "Like maladroit people" , "Hug ace, being socially awkward" , "Ill-at-ease, awkward in social situations" , "Unsophisticated and socially awkward" , "Tactless - blundering" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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