Milquetoast
/ˈmɪl.kə.toʊst/noun
A person who is timid or ineffectual.
He is such a milquetoast that he never stands up for his beliefs.
Usage tips
Neutral
milquetoast character,milquetoast personality,milquetoast attitude
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Context
The use of 'milquetoast' can imply a broader cultural critique of societal norms that discourage assertiveness.
In a workplace setting, it may be applied to describe employees who avoid speaking up.
Pro Tip 2/3Nuance
Not all individuals labeled as 'milquetoast' are weak; sometimes they may be reflective or simply prefer harmony.
A milquetoast person's strength might lie in their ability to maintain peace in conflict situations.
Pro Tip 3/3Humor
In casual conversations, describing someone as a milquetoast may add a humorous tone without harsh criticism.
You could say, 'Don't be a milquetoast, share your thoughts!'
Compare with
meeksubmissivetimidweaklingcoward
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