Waffled: meaning, definitions and examples
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waffled
[ ˈwɔːfəld ]
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.