milksop

This term carries a strong pejorative weight, evoking an image of extreme softness and fragility. It suggests a lack of resilience or "backbone," often implying that the person is overly pampered or lacks the mental toughness required for adulthood or leadership. It is more insulting than "timid" because it attacks the person's fundamental character and strength.

Historically, the word refers to a piece of bread soaked in milk, which is soft and lacks structure. This literal origin informs its use as a noun for a weakling. Because it is a countable noun, it follows standard English pluralization rules, though it is rarely used in the plural due to its specific application to individual character flaws.