Waffled: meaning, definitions and examples

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waffled

 

[ ˈwɔːfəld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

speaking indecisively

To waffle means to speak or write in a vague or evasive manner, often resulting in confusion. This term is commonly used to describe individuals who avoid taking a clear stance or providing a straightforward answer. In discussions, waffling can be frustrating to listeners who are seeking clarity or direction. The term is also applicable in writing, where an author may go off-topic or be unnecessarily verbose, losing the central message.

Synonyms

equivocate, falter, hem and haw, vacillate

Examples of usage

  • During the meeting, he waffled instead of making a decision.
  • She tends to waffle when asked about her opinions on controversial topics.
  • The politician waffled during the debate, failing to provide concrete solutions.

Translations

Translations of the word "waffled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hesitou

🇮🇳 भ्रमित

🇩🇪 schwankte

🇮🇩 berbelit-belit

🇺🇦 колився

🇵🇱 wahał się

🇯🇵 迷った

🇫🇷 hésité

🇪🇸 vaciló

🇹🇷 tereddüt etti

🇰🇷 주저하다

🇸🇦 تردد

🇨🇿 váhal

🇸🇰 váhal

🇨🇳 犹豫

🇸🇮 okleval

🇮🇸 vafra

🇰🇿 толғанды

🇬🇪 შეიცვალა

🇦🇿 şübhələndi

🇲🇽 vaciló

Etymology

The term 'waffle' originates from the Dutch word 'wafel,' which means 'cake' or 'honeycomb,' and was first used in English in the late 17th century to describe a type of cake. Over time, the meaning evolved, and by the mid-20th century, 'waffle' began to be used colloquially to describe indecisiveness or vague speech. This shift in meaning likely reflects the way that a literal waffle is soft and can be easily molded or changed, paralleling the idea of someone who cannot commit to a firm stance. By the 1980s, the verbal use of 'waffle' became quite popular in American English, particularly in political contexts, indicating a lack of definitive answers or positions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,107, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.