weasel

IPA/ˈwiːzl/
KK[wˈizəl]IPA/ˈwiːzl/

weasel — noun

  • weaselsingular
  • weaselsplural

1. a wild creature with brown fur and a slender shape that feeds on mice, rats, and

1.nounB1
Definition

a wild creature with brown fur and a slender shape that feeds on mice, rats, and other small animals in fields and woods

Example

A weasel darted across the garden path and disappeared into the hedge.

collocation: weasel + darted / disappeared into hedge

The farmer spotted a weasel near the chicken coop early this morning.

collocation: weasel + near chicken coop

Common collocations
  • ferret vs weasel
  • mustelid family
  • hunt mice
  • steal eggs

Usage Note

This animal is common across Europe, Asia, and North America. Its habit of sneaking into chicken coops to steal eggs and birds gave rise to the figurative meaning of a dishonest person.

2. someone who cannot be trusted, especially because they act in a sly or dishonest

2.nounB2
Definition

someone who cannot be trusted, especially because they act in a sly or dishonest way to gain an advantage for themselves

Example

Don't trust that weasel — he promised to help but disappeared the moment the work started.

collocation: weasel as insult [don't trust that weasel]

The defence lawyer was a weasel who twisted the facts to protect his rich client.

collocation: [profession] is a weasel

Common collocations
  • call someone a weasel
  • that weasel
  • sly weasel
  • lying weasel
Synonyms
  • snake

    similar meaning but suggests a person who betrays those close to them; more emotionally charged than 'weasel'

  • rat

    stronger, more vulgar insult suggesting a person who informs on others or abandons friends

  • trickster

    focuses on the act of fooling others rather than sneakiness; often used playfully

Antonyms

Usage Note

Commonly used as a direct insult or criticism. The comparison comes from the animal's reputation for sneaking into places undetected and stealing food. Unlike 'liar,' which focuses on false statements, 'weasel' implies cunning and sneakiness more broadly.

Common Mistakes

He is such a weasel person.
He is such a weasel.
'Weasel' is already a noun meaning a person; do not add 'person' after it.

Word family

  • weaselly
    adjectiveC1
  • weasel-like
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All four words describe untrustworthy people, but they differ in what aspect of dishonesty they highlight. 'Weasel' emphasises sneakiness and sly avoidance — a weasel gets what they want by being underhanded rather than by outright lying. 'Snake' implies betrayal of someone who trusted you, carrying a stronger emotional charge. 'Rat' is a harsh insult for someone who abandons friends or informs on them, used in both casual speech and organised-crime contexts. 'Trickster' focuses on the act of fooling others through clever deception and can be used playfully (e.g. in mythology). 'Swindler' is more formal and specific — it describes someone who cheats others out of money through fraud, rather than just being sneaky. For everyday criticism of a coworker who subtly avoids responsibility, 'weasel' fits best; for a business partner who stole your investment, use 'swindler'; for a friend who gossiped behind your back, 'snake' would be more natural.

snake ↗rat ↗trickster ↗swindler ↗

Etymology

Proto-GermanicOld EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'weasel' comes from Old English 'wesle', which traces back to a West Germanic root. It is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the German 'Wiesel' and Dutch 'wezel'. The name probably comes from the animal's characteristic way of moving, as the ancient root may have meant 'to stink' — referencing the strong smell that weasels produce from their scent glands. The figurative meaning of a sneaky, untrustworthy person appeared in English by the early 20th century, drawing on the animal's reputation for creeping into farmyards to steal eggs and poultry unseen.

First known use

12th century

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Verb