wish-wash

[ wish-wosh, -wawsh ]

noun

1. a drink that is thin and weak.
2. foolish talk or writing; claptrap.

wish-wash

noun

1. any thin weak drink
2. rubbishy talk or writing

Word History and Origins

Origin of wish-wash¹

First recorded in 1780–90; extracted from wishy-washy

Example Sentences

"I thought we were done with warnings and all this sort of wish-wash stuff, and thought we were going to stick to hard rules," Dixon said.

From Los Angeles Times

“He has common sense. He doesn’t put up with wish-wash; he’s not your standard politician. He stands up for principle and takes care of his people.”

From The Guardian

Where it has the little gray area and a wish-wash look to it, that’s sprayed water.

From New York Times

He must have ale, not wish-wash tea, fit only for old women.

From Project Gutenberg

Not a bad exchange for the Frenchman’s wish-wash claret, I suspect.”

From Project Gutenberg