Mealymouthed: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
mealymouthed
[ หmiหliหmaสฮธd ]
speech description
The term 'mealymouthed' describes someone who speaks in a vague or evasive manner, often avoiding clear answers or direct statements. This type of speech can imply deceit or a lack of commitment to one's words. It can also suggest a reluctance to address an issue straightforwardly, which may come across as insincere or overly cautious. In some contexts, being mealymouthed can be viewed negatively, as it may signal a lack of confidence or transparency.
Synonyms
ambiguous, dodgy, evasive, noncommittal
Examples of usage
- His mealymouthed response left everyone confused.
- She tends to be mealymouthed when discussing her opinions.
- The politician's mealymouthed comments frustrated the audience.
Translations
Translations of the word "mealymouthed" in other languages:
๐ต๐น indeciso
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคเฅเคเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช einfรคltig
๐ฎ๐ฉ bertele-tele
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะตะฟะพัะปัะดะพะฒะฝะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ niejasny
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใพใใช
๐ซ๐ท ambivalent
๐ช๐ธ ambivalente
๐น๐ท belirsiz
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ชจํธํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุบุงู ุถ
๐จ๐ฟ nejasnรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ nejasnรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๆจกๆฃฑไธคๅฏ็
๐ธ๐ฎ nejasen
๐ฎ๐ธ รณljรณs
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัาฏััะฝัะบััะท
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแคแ แแกแแแฅแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qeyri-mรผษyyษn
๐ฒ๐ฝ ambiguo
Etymology
The word 'mealymouthed' is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The term combines 'mealy', which relates to meal or flour-like in texture, and 'mouthed', referencing speech. The imagery suggests someone who speaks in a soft, unclear manner, similar to the texture of mealy food that is not solid and can be difficult to chew or digest. Its use appears to critique the clarity of a person's communication, indicating that their words may be insubstantial or lacking in directness. Over time, 'mealymouthed' has been associated with political discourse and media interviews where clarity is critical, yet often neglected. The expression has developed a derogatory connotation, implying that the speaker has something to hide or is unwilling to take a firm stance on critical issues.