mealy-mouthed

American  

[mee-lee-moutht, -mouthd] / ˈmi liˌmaʊθt, -ˌmaʊðd /

Or mealymouthed

adjective

1. avoiding the use of direct and plain language, as from timidity, excessive delicacy, or hypocrisy; inclined to mince words; insincere, devious, or compromising.

   Our local government is filled with mealy-mouthed politicians and self-serving bureaucrats.

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mealy-mouthed British  

adjective

1. hesitant or afraid to speak plainly; not outspoken

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Other Word Forms

• mealy-mouthedly adverb
• mealy-mouthedness noun

Etymology

Origin of mealy-mouthed

First recorded in 1565–75; mealy ( def. ) + mouthed ( def. )

Example Sentences

Commenting on the peace deal, she offers a verdict that would put to shame many of Europe’s more mealy-mouthed leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal

Such mealy-mouthed admonishments are how we got here in the first place.

From Salon

The mealy-mouthed title of Raimi’s “Doctor Strange” sequel itself references one of the biggest problems with contemporary superhero filmmaking: Everything exists within a universe, and inside that universe, anything is possible.

From Salon

"The apologies we've had from the Post Office have been so mealy-mouthed, not thought through, and really not sincere."

From BBC

As for Hollywood’s answer to Oval Office sycophants, Paul W. Downs works wonders as a mealy-mouthed comedy agent in ‘Hacks.’

From Los Angeles Times