Definition

A man who is weak or lacks courage, often seen as not having the qualities typically associated with masculinity.

Example

He was called a milksop for not standing up for himself in the argument.

Conversation

Did you see how he backed down during the argument?

Yeah, he really acted like a milksop in that situation.

I mean, sometimes you have to stand your ground, right?

Exactly! It's frustrating to see someone just give up like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Milksop is formed from "milk" (from Old English "meolc", meaning the white liquid produced by mammals) and "sop" (from Old English "soppian", meaning to soak or dip). The term originally referred to a piece of bread soaked in milk, and it later came to describe a weak or ineffectual person.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'soaked' in 'milk' — a milksop is someone who is weak or ineffectual, much like a soft piece of bread soaked in milk.

Visually Confused Words