milquetoast

[ milk-tohst ]

noun

, (sometimes initial capital letter)

1. a very timid, unassertive, spineless person, especially one who is easily dominated or intimidated:

   a milquetoast who's afraid to ask for a raise.

milquetoast

/ ˈmɪlkˌtəʊst /

noun

1. a meek, submissive, or timid person

Word History and Origins

Origin of milquetoast¹

1935–40, Americanism; after Caspar Milquetoast, a character in The Timid Soul, comic strip by H. T. Webster (1885–1952), American cartoonist

Word History and Origins

Origin of milquetoast¹

C20: from Caspar Milquetoast, a cartoon character invented by H. T. Webster (1885–1952)

Example Sentences

Either way, he stood out in a country whose media industry is often criticized for its milquetoast manner.

From The Daily Beast

Can music be both milquetoast and hard-hitting at the same time?

From The Daily Beast

Imagine—if EOB had been knocked down—a postwar milquetoast, boxy structure in its place.

From The Daily Beast

Hence, all the agreeing with Obama, all the adopting of milquetoast positions.

From The Daily Beast

In contrast, Santorum's milquetoast “disagreement” looks pathetic and unpresidential.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• milksop
• mollycoddle
• pushover