Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
wheedling
This term describes a specific type of manipulation characterized by persistent, sweet-talking flattery. It suggests a soft, coaxing approach rather than an aggressive or demanding one, often used when the speaker is trying to obtain a favor or forgiveness from someone who is initially reluctant.
In terms of register, it is more descriptive and slightly more formal than "sweet-talking," but it carries a stronger connotation of insincerity. It implies a calculated effort to wear down another person's resistance through superficial charm.
Meanings
Examples
Stop that wheedling tone and just tell me what you want.
She used a wheedling voice to convince her father to let her stay out late.
I can see right through your wheedling attempts to get a raise.
Please give me a piece of cake, you are the best cook in the world.
He tried a wheedling approach to get the secret documents from the clerk.
Why is he always so wheedling when he wants a favor from me?
The child gave his mother a wheedling look until she finally agreed to buy the toy.
I wonder if she is actually sincere or just using that wheedling charm again.
Collocations & Compounds
wheedling smile
Noun collocation: a facial expression intended to charm or coax someone into agreement
wheedling words
Noun collocation: language characterized by flattery used to manipulate someone
wheedling tactics
Noun collocation: a set of manipulative strategies involving coaxing and flattery
wheedling plea
Noun collocation: an urgent request made in a coaxing or flattering way
Etymology
Originating in the mid-16th century, the word is likely a derivative of the English dialectal term 'weedle', meaning to coax or entice. It shares a semantic space with words describing soft, persistent persuasion, though its precise linguistic root remains somewhat obscure in early modern English records.