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

Other Word Forms

• mincingly adverb
• unmincing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mincing¹

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

Example Sentences

“I’m not mincing words, you strange old man. I’m minding my own business, and you should mind yours.”

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He read from the letter in a mincing voice.

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Some people aren't mincing their words about it either, calling the deals "circular financing" or even "vendor financing" - where a company invests in or lends to its own customers so they can continue making purchases.

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Both faculty and students are mincing their words in class and approaching their discussions with caution for fear of being reported, said Wright State University junior Rochelle Woodson.

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Just crumbling goat cheese, chopping chives and mincing shallots, really — and don’t overmix.

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