wishy-washy

[wish-ee-wosh-ee, -waw-shee] /ˈwɪʃ iˌwɒʃ i, -ˌwɔ ʃi/
adjective
1.
lacking in decisiveness; without strength or character; irresolute.
2.
washy or watery, as a liquid; thin and weak.
Origin
1685-95; gradational compound based on washy
Related forms
wishy-washily, adverb
wishy-washiness, noun
British Dictionary definitions for wishy-washy

wishy-washy

/ˈwɪʃɪˌwɒʃɪ/
adjective (informal)
1.
lacking in substance, force, colour, etc
2.
watery; thin
Derived Forms
wishy-washily, adverb
wishy-washiness, noun
Word Origin and History for wishy-washy
adj.

1690s, "feeble or poor in quality," reduplication of washy "thin, watery" (see wash (n.)). Meaning "vacillating" first recorded 1873.

Slang definitions & phrases for wishy-washy

wishy-washy

adjective

Marked by imprecision and vacillation; inconstant; uncertain: The wishy-washy player keeps putting off the evil day/ It's not overpowering like Opium and not wishy-washy

[1873+; fr a rhythmic reduplication of washy, ''weak, diluted, watered-down,'' probably influenced by wishy as suggesting vacillating desires; the original sense was ''weak, insubstantial, trashy,'' found by 1703]