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pussyfoot. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
pussyfoot, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
pussyfoot in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
pussyfoot you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Etymology
From pussy (“feline”) + foot; because of the light and careful tread of cats.
Pronunciation
Verb
pussyfoot (third-person singular simple present pussyfoots, present participle pussyfooting, simple past and past participle pussyfooted)
- (intransitive) To move silently, stealthily, or furtively.
- (intransitive) To act timidly or cautiously.
2004, Jeph Jacques, Fripp and Eno:— So are you going to practice what you’re preaching and stop pussyfooting around with Faye?
— Hey, I’m 0 for 1 when it comes to practicing what I preach. These feet stay pussied for the time being.
2023 April 5, “Network News: NAO: Use HS2 Euston pause to put project on a stable footing”, in RAIL, number 980, page 13:The TSSA union said the Government should "stop pussyfooting around" and place Euston at the heart of the transformative rail project.
- (intransitive) To use euphemistic language or circumlocution.
1946, Tennessee Williams, The Unsatisfactory Supper:"Then you talk up! And plain! What's there to be so pussyfooting about?"
Translations
to use euphemistic language
Noun
pussyfoot (plural pussyfoots)
- (dated) A teetotaller.
1930, Sax Rohmer, The Day the World Ended, published 1969, page xi. 103:"We keep off that road like a pussyfoot keeps off whiskey. Get it out of your bean that we're exploring a deserted ruin."
See also