mince
UK[mɪns]US[mɪns]
v
to cut food, especially meat, into very small pieces
v
to walk with short, quick steps in a way that is not natural, especially in an attempt to look elegant
v
to be careful about what you say in order to be polite or not offend someone
Etymology
the journey of 'mince' begins with the latin verb 'minuere', meaning 'to lessen or make smaller'. from this root came 'minūtus' (small) and its noun form 'minūtia', referring to a tiny detail or particle. in vulgar latin, this concept evolved into the verb 'minūtiāre', specifically for the action of making something small by cutting. this term was adopted into old french as 'mincier', preserving the core meaning of chopping finely. entering middle english as 'mincen', the word's primary culinary sense has remained remarkably stable for centuries. its figurative meanings—describing an affected, delicate walk or carefully moderated speech—both cleverly extend from the original idea of reducing something to fine, cautious, or delicate parts.
Analysis
the word 'mince' is a simplex form. it is derived from the old french verb 'mincier', meaning 'to make small, to chop into tiny pieces'. this old french term itself originated from the vulgar latin 'minūtiāre', a derivative of the latin 'minūtia' (smallness) and 'minūtus' (small), which are related to 'minuere' (to lessen).
Examples
mince the onion finely before adding it to the pan.
she minced across the room in her high heels.
he did not mince his words when criticizing the proposal.