mincing

[ min-sing ]

adjective

1. (of the gait, speech, behavior, etc.) affectedly dainty, nice, or elegant.

mincing

/ ˈmɪnsɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of a person) affectedly elegant in gait, manner, or speech

Derived Forms

• ˈmincingly, adverb

Other Words From

• mincing·ly adverb
• un·mincing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mincing¹

First recorded in 1520–30; mince + -ing ²

Example Sentences

His soft, thoughtful delivery forces the listener to take note and when he speaks he is usually very direct, rarely mincing his words.

From BBC

But Kirby's response to the horror at the refugee camp is "mincing words" and "splitting hairs," argued Parkinson.

From Salon

It was the latest in a string of public statements that have led to accusations that Canada is mincing its words on a conflict that has sharply divided Canadians and much of the world.

From BBC

“This is not a time for mincing words. This is a time to state facts as they are.”

From Seattle Times

After the two leaders met there was no mincing of words.

From BBC