Crossword Genius

Useless family invests pence for awkward rustic (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bumpkin

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'awkward rustic' is the definition.
'bumpkin' can be an answer for 'rustic' (bumpkin is a kind of rustic). I am unsure of the 'awkward' bit.

'useless family invests pence' is the wordplay.
'useless' becomes 'bum' (I've seen this in other clues).
'family' becomes 'kin' (synonyms).
'invests' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are invested).
'pence' becomes 'p'.
'bum'+'kin'='bumkin'
'bumkin' enclosing 'p' is 'BUMPKIN'.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bumpkin that I've seen before include "Simple rustic" , "Country person with awkward manners" , "Country cousin" , "Daft countryman" , "Clumsy rustic" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app