How Do You Spell MEALY MOUTHED?

Pronunciation: [mˈiːli mˈa͡ʊðd] (IPA)

Mealy mouthed (/'miːli 'maʊðd/) is a term used to describe someone who speaks in a hesitant, insincere or indirect way. The spelling of this word is straightforward, with mealy referring to the texture of ground cornmeal, while mouthed means spoken or uttered. The IPA phonetic transcription highlights the long e sound in mealy, the diphthong in mouthed, and the soft th sound in the second syllable. This term is commonly used in political discourse, where speakers may be accused of being mealy mouthed in order to avoid taking strong positions.

MEALY MOUTHED Meaning and Definition

1. The term "mealy-mouthed" is an adjective that refers to a person or their speech, implying timid or evasive language that lacks clarity or firmness. It describes someone who is hesitant or reluctant to express their thoughts directly or honestly, often choosing to speak in a manner that is excessively polite, vague, or overly cautious. Such individuals tend to avoid taking a clear stance on matters, using words that are intentionally ambiguous or obscure to evade responsibility or commitment.

   The phrase originated from the idea of having a mouth full of meal, which creates the sensation of a dry, powdery texture that inhibits proper enunciation. It metaphorically describes someone's inability to speak with conviction or sincerity, as if their words are being hindered or stifled.

   The label "mealy-mouthed" is applied to individuals who consciously or unconsciously use evasive or diplomatic language, typically in an attempt to avoid conflicts or controversial matters. This behavior can be perceived as deceptive or insincere, as it often obscures the speaker's true intentions or opinions. Consequently, the term carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of integrity or assertiveness.

Common Misspellings for MEALY MOUTHED

• mealymouthed
• meali-mouthed
• mealimouthed
• nealy mouthed
• kealy mouthed
• jealy mouthed
• mwaly mouthed
• msaly mouthed
• mdaly mouthed
• mraly mouthed
• m4aly mouthed
• m3aly mouthed
• mezly mouthed
• mesly mouthed
• mewly mouthed
• meqly mouthed
• meaky mouthed
• meapy mouthed
• meaoy mouthed
• mealt mouthed

Etymology of MEALY MOUTHED

The word "mealy-mouthed" has an interesting etymology. It originated in the 16th century, combining two separate words:

1. "Mealy" comes from the Middle English word "mēli" or "mele", which means "meal" or "fine flour". It can be traced back to the Old English word "melu" or "mele", also meaning "meal" or "flour". The term "mealy" refers to the texture or appearance of something resembling meal or fine grains.

2. "Mouthed" refers to the use of someone's mouth or speech. It is derived from the Old English word "mūþ" or "muþ", meaning "mouth".

When combined, "mealy-mouthed" suggests someone who speaks or expresses themselves in a way that is evasive, ambiguous, or insincere.