Waffled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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waffled
[ˈwɔːfəld ]
Definition
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
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In political debates, candidates are often criticized for waffling on issues, showing indecision to appease different voter groups.
- Television sitcoms frequently use characters who waffle to create humor, portraying them as indecisive and comically unassertive.
Communication
- People often waffle when discussing controversial topics, trying to avoid conflict by not taking a strong stand.
- Waffling can lead to misunderstandings, as listeners may be left unsure of the speaker's true intentions or beliefs.
Psychology
- Indecision, often leading to waffling, can stem from anxiety about making the wrong choice, showing the link between emotion and decision-making.
- Social pressures may influence individuals to waffle, as they attempt to align with varying opinions to fit in with different groups.
Literature
- Many authors depict characters who waffle between choices, illustrating internal conflict and the complexity of human nature.
- Waffling in narratives can create tension, keeping readers engaged as they anticipate the character's eventual decision.
Origin of 'waffled'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'wafer,' which referred to something light or airy, much like how waffling can be light on substance.
- In the 19th century, it began to be used informally to describe indecisive or vague speech.
- A common phrase is 'to waffle on,' meaning to go back and forth in thoughts or arguments without commitment.
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.