Waffled: meaning, definitions and examples
🤔
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
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