pussyfoot

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WOTD - 2 October 2010

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From pussy (“feline”) +‎ foot; because of the light and careful tread of cats.

[edit] Pronunciation

(UK) IPA: /ˈpʊs.iˌfʊt/, SAMPA: /"pUs.i%fUt/

[edit] 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.
(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?"