What does waffling mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈwɑflɪŋ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To speak or write in a vague or evasive way, often using a lot of words without saying anything of real substance. Waffling can also refer to the act of procrastinating or avoiding making a decision.

Examples

• Stop waffling and tell me what you really think.
• He’s been waffling on about his plans for months, but still hasn’t made a decision.

Synonyms

• Ramble
• Dither
• Procrastinate

Antonyms

• Decide
• Conclude
• State clearly

Additional Information

Waffling is often used to describe people who tend to talk or write at length without saying anything substantial or meaningful. It can also be used to describe situations where someone is avoiding making a decision or taking action. Waffling can be frustrating for others, as it can be unclear what the person is trying to say or what their intentions are. However, waffling can also be a sign of indecision or lack of confidence, and can sometimes be a useful tool for avoiding conflict or controversy.

Waffling can be found in various forms of communication, including public speaking, writing, and even everyday conversation. It’s not uncommon for politicians, for example, to waffle on about certain issues, using vague language and avoiding direct answers. In everyday conversation, waffling can be a way of avoiding conflict or controversy, or of giving the impression of being knowledgeable about a particular subject.

While waffling can be annoying, it can also be a useful tool for communication. For example, in some situations, it may be necessary to waffle on about a particular topic in order to avoid offending someone or to maintain social harmony. However, excessive waffling can lead to confusion and frustration, and can damage relationships or credibility.

Eymology

The word “waffle” has its origins in the 14th century, when it referred to a type of speech or writing that was overly elaborate or evasive. The term is thought to have come from the Old English word “waflian,” which means “to speak foolishly” or “to babble.”

Usage Notes

Waffling can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it’s more common in everyday conversation. In formal situations, such as public speaking or writing, waffling can be seen as a way of avoiding controversy or offending someone. In informal situations, waffling can be used to add humor or irony to a conversation.

Cultural References

Waffling has been referenced in popular culture in various ways, including in movies, TV shows, and books. For example, the TV show “The Office” features a character named Michael Scott who is notorious for his waffling. In the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” the character of King Arthur is accused of waffling on about his plans for the kingdom.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Stop waffling and get to the point.”

Related Words or Phrases

• Ramble
• Dither
• Procrastinate
• Babble

Collocations

• “Waffling on about something.”
• “Waffling on the topic of.”
• “Waffling about something.”

Frequency of Use

Waffling is a relatively common word in everyday conversation, although its usage has declined somewhat in recent years. According to the Oxford English Corpus, the word “waffle” was used approximately 1.4 million times in 2019, which is down from approximately 2.1 million times in 2009.

Common Misspellings

• Wafling
• Wafle
• Waffel