Weaselled: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
weaselled
[ หwiหzษld ]
deceive, avoid
The term 'weaselled' refers to the act of evading responsibility or truthfulness, often through deceitful or cunning methods. It can suggest a behavior that is slippery or insincere, implying that someone has manipulated a situation to their advantage while avoiding direct confrontation. This action can be perceived as cowardly or untrustworthy, reflecting poorly on the individual in question. Weaselling typically involves using ambiguous language or tactics to escape a predicament or obligation.
Synonyms
dodge, evade, sneak, wriggle out.
Examples of usage
- He weaselled his way out of paying the bill.
- During the debate, she weasel words to avoid answering questions.
- After missing the deadline, he weaseled, claiming he never agreed to it.
Translations
Translations of the word "weaselled" in other languages:
๐ต๐น desonesto
๐ฎ๐ณ เคงเฅเคเฅเคฌเคพเคเคผ
๐ฉ๐ช hinterhรคltig
๐ฎ๐ฉ licik
๐บ๐ฆ ะปัะบะฐะฒะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ podstฤpny
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใ
๐ซ๐ท fourbe
๐ช๐ธ astuto
๐น๐ท sinsi
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ตํํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุงูุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ zรกludnรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ zรกkerne
๐จ๐ณ ็ก็พ็
๐ธ๐ฎ prevarantski
๐ฎ๐ธ svikull
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะปะฐัา
๐ฌ๐ช แแขแงแฃแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ dolan
๐ฒ๐ฝ astuto
Etymology
The verb 'weasel' is derived from the Old English word 'wฤasle,' which referred to the small, cunning creature known for its ability to escape traps, illustrating its slippery nature. Over time, the term evolved into a metaphor for someone who is deceptive or untrustworthy. The usage of 'weaselled' as a past tense form emphasizes this characteristic, encapsulating actions described as deceitful or manipulative. The blend of animal behavior and human morality in the term underscores a cultural contempt for those who resort to cunning evasion in interpersonal relations, leading to its incorporation into everyday vernacular, especially in political or argumentative contexts.