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Weaselly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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weaselly

[ˈwiːzəli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

character trait

The term 'weaselly' describes a person exhibiting slyness or dishonesty. It often refers to someone who is evasive or untrustworthy, using deceitful tactics to escape responsibility or gain advantage. This unflattering character trait implies a lack of forthrightness and integrity, suggesting that the individual tries to manipulate situations to their benefit. People described as weaselly may use clever but sneaky behavior to outmaneuver others.

Synonyms

cunning, deceitful, duplicitous, sly, sneaky.

Examples of usage

  • His weaselly tactics won him the deal, but no one trusts him now.
  • She gave a weaselly response to avoid answering the question directly.
  • You don't want to be seen as weaselly in a negotiation.
  • His weaselly behavior during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People labeled as 'weaselly' often engage in manipulative behavior due to low self-esteem or fear of rejection.
  • Research shows that individuals who exhibit 'weaselly' traits may struggle with direct communication skills.
  • Psychologically, weaselly behavior may stem from a desire to control situations without facing potential negative consequences.

Pop Culture

  • 'Weasley' characters in popular media can sometimes be portrayed as cunning or manipulative, like certain characters in film or books.
  • The term has been humorously used in political commentary, describing politicians who avoid direct answers.
  • In TV shows, a 'weaselly' character often serves as the comic relief, using clever tricks to get out of tight spots.

Literature

  • Many literary villains possess weaselly traits, using deceit to manipulate heroes.
  • Classic works often explore the contrast between honest characters and weaselly ones to highlight moral lessons.
  • Famous authors like Mark Twain have depicted weaselly traits to criticize societal dishonesty.

Behavioral Traits

  • Common traits associated with weaselly behavior include evasion, dishonesty, and overly clever rationalization.
  • Weaselly individuals might avoid direct answers, making communication challenging for others.
  • Their behavior often leads to distrust and conflict in both personal and professional relationships.

Origin of 'weaselly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'weaselly' comes from 'weasel', which has been associated with slyness since the 14th century.
  • Weasels are known for their quick, elusive behavior, which formed the basis for describing untrustworthy behavior in humans.
  • The term has been used figuratively in English since the early 1900s to describe deceitful actions.

The word 'weaselly' is derived from the noun 'weasel,' which refers to a small, carnivorous animal from the Mustelidae family, often associated with traits like slyness and cunning behavior. The association between weasels and dishonesty likely comes from the way these animals can stealthily move and escape capture, giving rise to idioms and expressions that characterize people who behave deceitfully. 'Weaselly' began to be used in English around the mid-20th century to describe behaviors that are reminiscent of a weasel's nature. The negative connotations associated with being 'weaselly' are deeply entrenched in the perception of the weasel as a creature that is less than honest, thereby shaping the overall understanding and usage of the term in describing human behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,267, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.