Cajolingly Meaning: Definition and Examples

Psychology

• Cajoling often involves understanding psychological triggers, appealing to emotions such as guilt or affection.
• It can be effective in building rapport and making requests feel more friendly and less demanding.
• Studies suggest that people are often more responsive to gentle persuasiveness than aggressive demands.

Communication

• Using a cajoling tone can soften criticism, making it more likely for the listener to accept feedback positively.
• A combination of humor and kindness often enhances the effectiveness of cajoling in conversations.
• Nonverbal cues like smiles and eye contact during cajoling can significantly increase its success rate.

Literature

• Cajoling characters are often found in literature, where they persuade others through charm, highlighting the contrast between coercion and gentle persuasion.
• Notable examples include characters who use cajoling to navigate complex social situations, often leading to dramatic turnarounds in the plot.
• Many fables and folk tales feature characters whose cajoling ultimately teaches a moral lesson about kindness or humility.

Pop Culture

• In films and TV shows, the caressing ability of a cajoling character often leads to comedic or heartfelt moments.
• Popular media portrays cajoling as an essential tool for characters trying to win favor, often occluded by more forceful approaches.
• Catchphrases from charismatic characters often stem from expoiting the art of cajoling to engage audiences.

Main points about word origin

• The term 'cajole' comes from the French word 'cajoler', meaning to chat or to coax someone.
• Its origins can be traced back to the late 18th century, emerging as an influential part of English vocabulary.
• The suffix '-ingly' is used to form adverbs, adding the sense of 'in a manner that...' to the root verb.

The word 'cajolingly' is derived from the verb 'cajole', which dates back to the early 17th century. The term 'cajole' itself originates from the French word 'cajoler', which means 'to chatter', 'to entice', or 'to wheedle'. It is believed to have been formed from a combination of the Old French word 'cajole', referring to someone's cunning or slyness, and the noun 'cole', which possibly signifies a cage or enclosure. In this context, it suggests a sense of trapping someone with charm or persuasive speech. Over time, the term has evolved to imply a more playful or gentle form of persuasion, often associated with light-hearted banter or alluring conversation. By the 19th century, its usage had become more prevalent in English literature and casual conversation, reflecting a cultural inclination towards charming rhetoric.