verb
mince
To walk with short, unnaturally dainty steps.
The actor minces across the room with exaggeratedly dainty steps.
Etymology
The source's idea of making something small transferred to movement. Mincing steps are made conspicuously short and dainty, often suggesting an affected manner.
More examples
- At rehearsal, we mince in a circle, taking tiny, delicate steps.
- She minced toward the mirror, making each step look dainty.
- He is mincing down the hallway to parody a pompous guest.
Forms
mince · minces · minced · mincing
Similar words
- tiptoe
- Means walking on the toes, usually quietly, rather than affectedly.
- prance
- Suggests lively, springy steps rather than short, dainty ones.