Waffled

To speak or write at length in a vague, rambling, or inconclusive manner, often evading a direct answer or avoiding a clear commitment. This typically involves using many words without conveying a significant amount of information, similar to the meandering patterns of a waffle. The speaker might repeat themselves, introduce irrelevant tangents, or shift the focus, ultimately leaving the listener confused or frustrated due to the lack of clarity and decisiveness. It suggests a lack of conviction or a desire to avoid a potentially difficult or unpopular stance. This verbal indecisiveness can stem from uncertainty, fear of conflict, or an attempt to obscure the truth.

Waffled meaning with examples

• The politician skillfully waffled on the tax reform proposal, providing a long-winded response that touched on various aspects but never explicitly stated their position. The audience was left unsure of their support or opposition. This evasion was seen as a clever way to avoid alienating any potential voter demographic.
• During the board meeting, the CEO waffled about the company's future strategy, using ambiguous language and avoiding specifics about key decisions. His vague answers offered little direction and left the employees feeling anxious about the coming changes and the overall company direction.
• When asked about his recent investments, the financial advisor waffled, offering a confusing mix of market jargon and vague predictions. The potential clients suspected he was concealing a lack of expertise and dodging the hard questions to win their business.
• The witness waffled under cross-examination, giving evasive answers and contradicting his own statements multiple times. The judge saw right through the lies, and the lawyer quickly called the witness out on the issues with his story.