mincing

American  

[min-sing] / ˈmɪn sɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of the gait, speech, behavior, etc.) affectedly dainty, nice, or elegant.

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mincing British  

/ ˈmɪnsɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of a person) affectedly elegant in gait, manner, or speech

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Other Word Forms

• mincingly adverb
• unmincing adjective

Etymology

Origin of mincing

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.”

From Literature

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.

From BBC

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