Definition

Noun: A milksop is a person, especially a man or boy, who is perceived as weak, timid, cowardly, or lacking in strength of character. The term is derogatory and implies that the person is childish, overly sensitive, or unassertive.

Usage

The word milksop is used as a noun to describe someone in a critical or contemptuous way. It is an old-fashioned term but is still understood. It is typically used to insult a man's masculinity or courage by comparing him to a piece of bread soaked in milk—something soft and insubstantial.

Examples

• He was called a milksop because he was afraid to stand up to the bullies.
• Don't be such a milksop; you need to speak your mind in the meeting.
• The novel's villain mocked the hero as a sentimental milksop.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically beyond describing individuals to criticize ideas or actions perceived as weak or ineffectual.
  • The senator dismissed the compromise as a milksop policy that would solve nothing.

Variants and Related Words

• Milksoppy (adjective, informal): Having the qualities of a milksop; weak or timid.
  • He rejected the milksoppy portrayal of the character in the first draft.

Synonyms

• Weakling: A person who is physically or morally weak.
• Coward: A person who lacks the courage to face danger, pain, or difficulty.
• Wimp: (Informal) A weak, cowardly, or ineffectual person.
• Sissy: (Derogatory) A boy or man regarded as effeminate or cowardly.
• Pushover: A person who is easy to overcome or influence.

Antonyms

• Hero
• Braveheart
• Stalwart
• Assertive person

Idioms and Phrases

• No milksop: Used to emphasize that someone is definitely not weak or timid.
  • The new coach is no milksop; he runs a very tough training program.

Noun

1. a timid man or boy considered childish or unassertive