pussyfoot
/ˈpʊs.i.fʊt/
verb
Origin
English
pussy + foot — soft, cat-like movement
Overview
Meaning Now
- to walk or move stealthily or cautiously, as if on tiptoe
- to act in a timid, noncommittal, or overly cautious manner in order to avoid taking a firm stance
Literal older meaning
to move with the quiet, soft-footed agility of a cat
Language path
English
Earliest form
pussyfoot
Earliest period
late 19th century
Journey
The term gained significant political currency in the early 20th century, particularly through William 'Pussyfoot' Johnson, a zealous prohibitionist agent. He earned the nickname because of his method of stealthily gathering evidence against illegal saloons. The name subsequently became synonymous with his evasive or quiet tactics, leading to its broader application to anyone acting with extreme, often annoying, caution.
Evolution
- 1893
pussyfoot
“to tread softly”
First recorded usage in American English.
- 1919
pussyfoot
“to campaign for prohibition; to act evasively”
Political usage popularized by the nickname of William 'Pussyfoot' Johnson.
Connections
Word parts
pussy
root
a cat (diminutive/affectionate)
foot
root
the lower extremity of the leg
Explore next
Related to pussyfoot
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.