milquetoast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, occasionally journalistic/editorial
Quick answer
What does “milquetoast” mean?
A timid, meek, or unassertive person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A timid, meek, or unassertive person; someone who is easily dominated or intimidated.
Can describe a person, attitude, policy, or action that is weak, bland, ineffectual, and lacking in forcefulness or character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in American English but is understood in UK English. The spelling remains the same.
Connotations
In the US, there may be stronger recognition of the original comic strip character (Caspar Milquetoast). In the UK, it is used but may be perceived as a slightly learned or literary insult.
Frequency
More common in American English, though not a high-frequency word in either variety.
Grammar
How to Use “milquetoast” in a Sentence
[be] a milquetoastcall [someone] a milquetoastplay the milquetoastVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “milquetoast” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His milquetoast demeanour did not inspire confidence in the team.
- The proposal was criticised for its milquetoast approach to regulation.
American English
- His milquetoast demeanor failed to impress the investors.
- The candidate's milquetoast performance in the debate hurt his polls.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The board dismissed the CEO as a milquetoast who failed to stand up to the competition."
Academic
"The critique described the protagonist not as a tragic hero but as a moral milquetoast."
Everyday
"Don't be such a milquetoast—tell them you want a refund!"
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “milquetoast”
Strong
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “milquetoast”
- Misspelling: 'milktoast' (common error, but standard spelling is 'milquetoast').
- Using it as a direct compliment (it is always derogatory).
- Over-applying to situations where simple shyness, rather than culpable weakness, is meant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It comes from 'Caspar Milquetoast', a timid comic strip character created by H. T. Webster in 1924. The name is a pun on 'milk toast', a bland, soft food.
Yes, it is commonly used as both a noun ("He's a milquetoast") and an adjective ("a milquetoast policy").
No, it is informal and somewhat literary or journalistic. It is pejorative and not used in formal academic or legal writing.
A 'coward' is specifically afraid and shows fear in the face of danger. A 'milquetoast' is more broadly weak, unassertive, ineffectual, and lacking backbone, not necessarily in a situation of physical danger.
A timid, meek, or unassertive person.
Milquetoast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪlk.təʊst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪlk.toʊst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no common idioms, though the word itself is etymologically derived from a character name)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MILK' (soft, bland, weak) and 'TOAST' (dry, plain, unexciting). A 'milquetoast' is a bland, weak person.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHARACTER IS TASTE/FLAVOR (bland, weak); ASSERTIVENESS IS PHYSICAL STRENGTH (spineless).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'milquetoast' be LEAST appropriate?