Stilted

Before we talk about stilted, let's talk about stilts--the long poles that attach to the legs of clowns in the circus, in order to make them look 12 feet tall.  (See the picture below....)  Well, when you walk on stilts, is your movement easy and smooth?

Nope--and therefore the word "stilted"--which means jerky or non-smooth.  In addition, anything that is too formal is considered "stilted."

Another great word....