doughface
Definition
- Noun:
- A weak or pliable person: "doughface" historically refers to a person who is easily influenced, lacks firmness, or yields readily to pressure, particularly in political contexts. The term originates from the idea of dough being soft and moldable.
Usage Examples
- (A weak-willed politician who lacks conviction.)
- (A person who yields easily to others' opinions.)
Advanced Usage
- Historical political context: In 19th-century American politics, "doughface" specifically referred to a Northern politician who supported pro-slavery policies to appease the South.
- The doughface compromise angered abolitionists in his home state. (A Northern politician who sided with Southern interests.)
Variants and Related Words
- Doughfaced (adj): having a pale, soft, or weak appearance; resembling dough.
- His doughfaced expression revealed his lack of resolve. (His face looked soft and weak, indicating weakness.)
Synonyms
- Weakling: a person who is physically or morally weak.
- Pushover: someone who is easily persuaded or defeated.
- Yes-man: a person who always agrees with superiors to gain favor.
Related Idioms
- To be made of dough: to be soft, weak, or easily manipulated (informal).
- Don't treat me like I'm made of dough; I have my own opinions. (Don't assume I'm easily swayed.)
Note
- The term "doughface" is now largely archaic or historical, but it may appear in discussions of 19th-century U.S. politics or in figurative language describing weak-willed individuals.