A weasel is a small, thin, fast-moving mammal with a long body and short legs, known for hunting mice and other small animals.
“Weasel” comes from Old English “weosule” or “weosel,” from Proto-Germanic roots referring to the animal. Similar forms appear across Germanic languages with small sound changes.
Because weasels are sneaky and quick, the animal’s name turned into an insult for a tricky or untrustworthy person. The phrase “weasel words” describes vague language that dodges clear responsibility.
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