Weaseled: meaning, definitions and examples
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weaseled
[ ˈwiːzəld ]
deception, avoidance
To 'weasel' means to act in a sneaky or evasive manner to avoid responsibility or to escape from a difficult situation. This term often implies dishonesty or manipulation, where a person might twist their words or evade a straightforward answer. The act of weaseling often leads to frustration from others, as it disrupts clear communication. It can describe a person who is quick to retract statements or deny commitments when questioned.
Synonyms
duck, evade, shirk, sneak, wiggle.
Examples of usage
- He weaseled out of his promise to help.
- She weaseled her way through the conversation without revealing the truth.
- During the debate, he weaseled when asked about his plans.
- You can’t just weasel out of the consequences.
- The politician weaseled when confronted about his past actions.
Translations
Translations of the word "weaseled" in other languages:
🇵🇹 escorregadiço
🇮🇳 चालाक
🇩🇪 schlüpfrig
🇮🇩 licik
🇺🇦 виверткий
🇵🇱 wyślizgany
🇯🇵 ずる賢い
🇫🇷 rusé
🇪🇸 astuto
🇹🇷 kurnaz
🇰🇷 교활한
🇸🇦 ماكر
🇨🇿 vychytralý
🇸🇰 prefíkaný
🇨🇳 狡猾的
🇸🇮 prebrisan
🇮🇸 snjallur
🇰🇿 алдамшы
🇬🇪 ჭკვიანი
🇦🇿 dələduz
🇲🇽 astuto
Etymology
The term 'weasel' as a verb originates from the late 19th century. It evolved from the literal association with the weasel animal, which is known for its cunning and stealthy behavior. The term reflects how weasels escape from traps or difficult situations, analogous to a person evading accountability or responsibility. Initially, it was common in American slang, and over time, it found its way into more formal English usage. The imagery of the weasel has persisted, emphasizing the idea of craftiness and slipperiness, making it a fitting metaphor for deceptive behaviors in human interactions. Today, 'weaseling' retains a colloquial tone and is often used in informal contexts, especially in discussions involving ethics, honesty, or accountability.