How Do You Spell MILQUETOAST?

Pronunciation: [mˈɪlkwɪtˌə͡ʊst] (IPA)

Milquetoast is a word used to describe someone who is timid and weak-willed. The word's unusual spelling is due to its French origins, where it was spelled "milk toast" or "pain et lait" (bread and milk). The first syllable "mil" is pronounced like "mill" and the second syllable "que" is pronounced like "kay." The final syllable "toast" is pronounced like "tohst" with a silent "t." Overall, the word is pronounced as "MILL-kay-tohst."

MILQUETOAST Meaning and Definition

  1. Milquetoast is a noun that refers to a person who is timid, weak-willed, and lacking in assertiveness or courage. The term, originating from the comic strip character Caspar Milquetoast created by H.T. Webster, has become widely used in English to describe individuals who are excessively shy, meek, or easily dominated by others.

    A milquetoast is often seen as someone who avoids confrontation or conflict, lacking the strength to stand up for their beliefs or express their opinions boldly. They tend to be overly submissive, preferring to take a back seat rather than take risks or assert themselves in challenging situations. The term implies a lack of confidence, self-assurance, and the ability to make decisions, often leading to a passive, easily swayed nature.

    Milquetoasts may be characterized by their constant need for reassurance, their reluctance to take on leadership roles, and their propensity to go along with the crowd rather than taking individual action. Their behavior is often marked by a fear of making mistakes or offending others, resulting in an incessant desire to please everyone around them.

    Overall, a milquetoast is someone who lacks the determination, self-confidence, and assertiveness needed to thrive in various aspects of life, often choosing the path of least resistance and not standing out from the crowd.

Common Misspellings for MILQUETOAST

  • nilquetoast
  • kilquetoast
  • jilquetoast
  • mulquetoast
  • mjlquetoast
  • mklquetoast
  • molquetoast
  • m9lquetoast
  • m8lquetoast
  • mikquetoast
  • mipquetoast
  • mioquetoast
  • mil1uetoast
  • mil2uetoast
  • milwuetoast
  • milauetoast
  • milqyetoast
  • milqhetoast
  • milqjetoast

Etymology of MILQUETOAST

The word "milquetoast" was derived from the name of a comic strip character called Caspar Milquetoast, created by H.T. Webster in the early 20th century. The character of Caspar Milquetoast was portrayed as a timid, meek, and ineffectual person who often faced various misadventures. Over time, the character became associated with someone who lacks assertiveness and confidence. The term "milquetoast" eventually entered the English language as a noun to describe such a person. The term has since been used to describe a timid, weak, or unassertive individual.

Plural form of MILQUETOAST is MILQUETOASTS