Yellow-belliedness

Yellow-belliedness refers to the quality of being cowardly or timid, demonstrating a lack of courage and bravery. It implies a disposition to avoid danger, risk, or confrontation, often prioritizing self-preservation above all else. It's a pejorative term suggesting a fundamental weakness of character, a failure to stand up for what is right or necessary, and a tendency to show fear in situations that demand resolve. The term often carries a connotation of moral failing alongside simple lack of courage, painting the subject as both weak and lacking integrity. This weakness can manifest as indecision, passivity, or a reliance on others to take action.

Yellow-belliedness meaning with examples

• The general’s Yellow-belliedness became apparent when he ordered the retreat, abandoning his troops to the enemy's relentless assault. His cowardice cost the nation both lives and territory. The soldiers, left to face the consequences of his fear, felt betrayed by his inability to stand his ground and fight for victory.
• Accusations of Yellow-belliedness followed the politician, who consistently avoided taking a firm stance on controversial issues, choosing instead to appease all sides. His supporters found this approach pragmatic, his detractors saw it as lacking conviction, a consequence of fearing the negative reactions from various factions.
• The hero of the story overcame a crippling history of Yellow-belliedness when, confronted with mortal danger, they sacrificed themselves to protect their friends and their land. The story became a tale of redemption, a demonstration of bravery born out of fear and love.
• The company’s executives were criticized for their Yellow-belliedness in refusing to address allegations of corporate wrongdoing. Their silence fueled public outrage and damaged their reputation further, instead of tackling the crisis head on, they simply hid and hoped it would pass.
• Witnessing their friend’s Yellow-belliedness during a robbery, the group vowed to never again trust someone so obviously unwilling to stand up for themselves or others. They'd now know how to pick a crew with bravery over greed.