Quick answer
Weasel means a small carnivorous mammal; figuratively, a sly or evasive person. It is usually pronounced WEE-zul, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Weasel
Weasel means a small carnivorous mammal; figuratively, a sly or evasive person. It belongs to weird animal and nature words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
animalsnatureoddity
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, weasel refers to a small carnivorous mammal; figuratively, a sly or evasive person. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Weasel feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Weasel is generally traced to old English animal name. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Weasel is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- A weasel darted along the stone wall at dusk.
- He tried to weasel out of the agreement.
- Critics said the statement was full of weasel words.
- She accused the broker of acting like a complete weasel.
When should you use this word?
Use weasel when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
ferret, stoat, sneak, schemer, cowardly trickster
Opposite or contrasting words
straight talker, honest broker
Common questions
- What does weasel mean? a small carnivorous mammal; figuratively, a sly or evasive person.
- How do you pronounce weasel? It is commonly pronounced WEE-zul.
- Is weasel still used today? Weasel is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use weasel? Use weasel when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to weasel? Similar words include ferret, stoat, sneak, and schemer.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.