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

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.

From Salon

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

From Salon

His soft, thoughtful delivery forces the listener to take note and when he speaks he is usually very direct, rarely mincing his words.

From BBC

But Kirby's response to the horror at the refugee camp is "mincing words" and "splitting hairs," argued Parkinson.

From Salon

It was the latest in a string of public statements that have led to accusations that Canada is mincing its words on a conflict that has sharply divided Canadians and much of the world.

From BBC