Minced words

Definitions

• speak indirectly or euphemistically
  To avoid speaking bluntly or harshly, often to maintain politeness or avoid causing offense

• speak with great precision
  To carefully choose one's words in order to convey a message with exactness and accuracy

Examples of Minced words

• The CEO hesitated before responding, choosing his words carefully.

  The CEO used minced words, being cautious and deliberate in his choice of language.

• In the meeting, the authors avoided making strong accusations, instead opting for more diplomatic language.

  The authors employed minced words, expressing themselves tactfully and avoiding direct confrontation.

• The politician assiduously avoided taking a stance, instead using minced words to deflect questions on the issue.

  The politician resorted to minced words, using ambiguous and circumlocutory language to avoid committing to any position.

• The manager tiptoed around the topic, being mindful not to offend anyone by choosing his words wisely.

  The manager employed minced words, being diplomatic and tactful in his language to avoid any potential conflicts or misunderstandings.

• The politician carefully chose her words during the debate, avoiding any direct criticism of her opponent's policies.

  This is an example of using minced words, where the politician is being careful and tactful in her speech, avoiding any strong or direct criticisms, in order to avoid offending her opponent or causing tension in the debate.

• The boss gently chastised his employee for his mistakes, using kind words to convey his displeasure.

  In this instance, the boss is using minced words to soften a criticism, choosing his words carefully in order to avoid being too harsh or critical of his employee, while still conveying his dissatisfaction with their performance.

• The salesperson skillfully navigated the negotiation, using diplomatic language to reach a favorable agreement.

  This is an example of using minced words to facilitate communication and avoid conflict. The salesperson is being diplomatic in her language, carefully choosing her words to identify potential areas of agreement and reach a resolution that benefits both parties.

• The doctor gently explained the medical procedure to the patient, using clear but concise language to avoid overwhelming her with technical terms.

  In this case, the doctor is using minced words to help the patient better understand the medical procedure, avoiding the use of any overly technical or complex medical terms that might confuse or overwhelm her. By using clear and concise language, the doctor is able to provide a more effective and compassionate explanation, helping her patient better understand and prepare for the procedure.

Conclusion

The idiom "minced words" can be used to describe speaking indirectly or euphemistically to avoid causing offense or to speak with great precision and care in order to convey a message accurately.

Origin of "Minced words"

The origin of the idiom "minced words" can be traced back to the late 14th century, where "minced" was used to describe the action of cutting or chopping something into small, fine pieces. Over time, this term evolved to also describe the careful and precise choice of words in communication. The idiom likely became popular as a way to emphasize the importance of speaking with precision and care, as well as the avoidance of speaking bluntly or harshly to maintain politeness. The idiom has since become a common phrase in the English language, used to convey the act of speaking indirectly or with great precision.