Mince

/mɪns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Finely chopped or ground food, especially meat.

The recipe called for a pound of minced beef.

verb

To cut up or grind food, especially meat, into very small pieces.

She decided to mince the garlic to incorporate it into the sauce.

To speak in a vague or indirect way, often to soften the impact of what is being said.

He didn't mince his words when he criticized the team's performance.

To walk with short, quick steps, often in a prim or affected manner.

She minced her way across the stage in her new high heels.

Middle English, from Old French 'mençer' (to chop).

mince words

To speak indirectly or with hesitation.

minced

Chopped into small pieces.

mincer

A utensil for cutting food into small pieces.

To not be straightforward or to be overly cautious in one's speech.

Stop mincing around and tell me what you really think.

To behave in a way that is perceived as effeminate or overly delicate.

He minces about the place like he owns it.