Pussyfoot

noun, verb

noun, verb ·3 syllables ·Moderate ·College level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A teetotaller. dated

    ""We keep off that road like a pussyfoot keeps off whiskey. Get it out of your bean that we're exploring a deserted ruin.""

Verb
  1. 1
    To move silently, stealthily, or furtively. intransitive
  2. 2
    to go stealthily or furtively wordnet
  3. 3
    To act timidly or cautiously. intransitive

    "— So are you going to practice what you’re preaching and stop pussyfooting around with Faye? — Hey, I’m 0 for 1 when it comes to practicing what I preach. These feet stay pussied for the time being."

  4. 4
    To use euphemistic language or circumlocution. intransitive

    ""Then you talk up! And plain! What's there to be so pussyfooting about?""

Synonyms

All synonyms
sneakabout the busharound the bushbe carefulbe cautiousbeat about

Example

More examples

"I wish she wouldn't pussyfoot about it and just say what she means."

Etymology

From pussy (“feline”) + foot; because of the light and careful tread of cats.

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.