pussyfoot
English
WOTD – 2 October 2010
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈpʊs.iˌfʊt/
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb
pussyfoot (third-person singular simple present pussyfoots, present participle pussyfooting, simple past and past participle pussyfooted)
- (intransitive) To move silently, stealthily, or furtively.
- (intransitive) To act timidly or cautiously.
- 2004, Jeph Jacques, Fripp and Eno
- — So are you going to practice what you’re preaching and stop pussyfooting around with Faye?
- — Hey, I’m 0 for 1 when it comes to practicing what I preach. These feet stay pussied for the time being.
- 2004, Jeph Jacques, Fripp and Eno
- (intransitive) To use euphemistic language or circumlocution.
- 1946, Tennessee Williams, The Unsatisfactory Supper
- "Then you talk up! And plain! What's there to be so pussyfooting about?"
- 1946, Tennessee Williams, The Unsatisfactory Supper
Translations
to move silently
to act timidly
to use euphemistic language
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See also
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