Meaning & Definition of word "Weasel"
Weasel
/ˈwiː.zəl/
noun:
- 1. A small, slender-bodied carnivorous mammal of the genus Mustela, known for its playful and agile nature.
- Example: The weasel darted through the grass in search of prey.
- 2. A deceitful or treacherous person.
- Example: He was regarded as a weasel for his underhanded tactics in business.
verb:
- 1. To evade or avoid responsibility or duty through deceitful or indirect means.
- Example: She managed to weasel out of the meeting by claiming illness.
Etymology
●The word 'weasel' comes from Old English 'wēaswēl', related to various Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots.
Common Phrases and Expressions
weasel words:
Ambiguous or misleading language meant to evade responsibility.
weasel out:
To avoid a commitment or responsibility in a sneaky manner.
Related Words
ferret:
A domesticated form of the European polecat, often used for hunting.
stoat:
A small carnivorous mammal related to the weasel, known for its brown fur, which turns white in winter.
Slang Meanings of weasel
Meaning: A person who is sly and untrustworthy.
● Example Sentence: That guy is such a weasel; you can't count on him for anything.
Meaning: To escape a situation through deceitful means.
● Example Sentence: He weaseled his way out of the job by lying about his qualifications.