What does weasel mean?
The word weasel has both a literal zoological meaning and a strongly negative figurative meaning. It denotes a small, slender member of the mustelid family, a carnivorous mammal with a long body, short legs, and typically brown fur with paler undersides. By extension, a weasel is a person who lies, cheats, or manipulates others with deliberate cunning. The same idea appears in the verb to weasel, meaning to act deceitfully or evade an obligation through clever maneuvering, as in weaseling out of a contract. These figurative uses are informal and strongly derogatory, often implying that the person is untrustworthy as well as opportunistic. Although a literal reference to the animal is ordinarily neutral, the figurative sense has made the word useful for describing evasive promises, slippery excuses, and calculated deception. In everyday English, weasel words is a common expression for language designed to mislead while avoiding a clear commitment.
A small, slender carnivorous mammal of the mustelid family; by extension, a person who lies, cheats, or manipulates others with deliberate cunning.
"His evasive answers convinced the panel that he was a weasel."
The animal sense is neutral, while the figurative sense is informal and strongly derogatory.
To act deceitfully or manipulatively, especially to avoid responsibility or evade an obligation.
"The company tried to weasel out of the contract by disputing its wording."
Informal and derogatory; the verb often suggests opportunism or deliberate evasion.
The regular plural applies both to the animal and to the figurative sense of a deceitful person.
"Several weasels were seen crossing the frozen field at dawn."
In the 1960s, U.S. military pilots involved in covert operations nicknamed themselves "Weasels," turning the animal's slyness into a badge of stealth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How weasel is actually used
The literal animal reference is neutral. The figurative noun and the verb are informal and strongly derogatory, implying both dishonesty and deliberate evasiveness.
Easily confused with weasel
A weasel is a long-bodied, short-legged mammal, whereas a weevil is a small beetle with hardened forewings.