Weaselling: meaning, definitions and examples
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weaselling
[ ˈwiːzəlɪŋ ]
evasive behavior
Weaselling refers to the act of avoiding commitment or responsibility by being deliberately ambiguous or evasive. The term often implies a form of dishonesty or manipulation, where the person might twist words or engage in deceptive tactics to escape accountability. This behavior can be seen in both personal and professional contexts, leading to mistrust and frustration among those who seek clear communication. It's commonly associated with politicians, salespeople, or anyone who feels they might benefit from dodging a direct answer to a question.
Synonyms
dodging, evading, finessing, prevaricating.
Examples of usage
- He was weaselling out of his promises.
- The politician kept weaselling on the key issues.
- She was weaselling during the negotiation, making it hard to reach an agreement.
Translations
Translations of the word "weaselling" in other languages:
🇵🇹 evasão
🇮🇳 चालाकी
🇩🇪 Umgehung
🇮🇩 penghindaran
🇺🇦 увертання
🇵🇱 wybieg
🇯🇵 言い逃れ
🇫🇷 évitement
🇪🇸 evasión
🇹🇷 kaçamak
🇰🇷 회피
🇸🇦 تملص
🇨🇿 vyhýbání
🇸🇰 vyhýbanie
🇨🇳 规避
🇸🇮 izogibanje
🇮🇸 vörn
🇰🇿 бұзу
🇬🇪 გამოძვრობა
🇦🇿 qaçma
🇲🇽 evasión
Etymology
The term 'weaselling' comes from the verb 'weasel', which has its origins in the Old English word 'wīsel', referring to a small, cunning animal known for its ability to escape from tight situations. The notion of being as crafty as a weasel evolved into a figurative expression describing people who attempt to wriggle out of commitments or truthfulness. In the context of language, the term began to be used around the 20th century, often associated with political discourse and legal jargon, where individuals may use convoluted language or tactics to obscure the truth. The behavior implied by 'weaselling' is frowned upon in many cultures, as it undermines trust and accountability in communication.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,667, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.