Weaseling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the word 'weasel', an animal known for its cunning and sly behavior.
• The word has been in use since the late 19th century, originally referring to evading questions or commitments.
• It's often associated with people who are being deceitful or avoiding the truth.

Psychology

• People often use weaseling as a defense mechanism to avoid confrontation or negative judgement.
• This behavior can be linked to anxiety, where individuals fear the repercussions of their honest opinions.
• Weaseling can erode trust in relationships, as it signals a lack of transparency and accountability.

Pop Culture

• Fictional characters in movies and books often weasel out of commitments, showing a humorous or negative portrayal of this behavior.
• Reality shows frequently display contestants weaseling, as strategies to avoid elimination.
• Catchphrases like 'That's a weasel move!' often signal a clever but untrustworthy action in competitive settings.

Literature

• Weaseling is a common theme in classic literature, representing characters who show moral ambiguity.
• Authors often use weaseling to develop plot twists, where characters avoid responsibility for their actions.
• In political literature, weaseling is frequently used to describe leaders who fail to fulfill their promises.

Communication

• Weaseling often involves using vague language to mislead listeners without outright lying.
• Politicians might use weaseling to dodge direct questions during debates, impacting perceptions of honesty.
• Effective communicators can identify weaseling tactics and challenge them to foster clearer dialogues.