Etymology Journal · H
Have mixed feelings
Meaning
- A diplomatic way of saying you are unsure, conflicted, or secretly dislike a proposal but don't want to cause a scene. It is the ultimate neutral stance in a heated debate.
Diplomatic, cautious, vague
Used in a sentence
- I have mixed feelings about moving to the city.
- He said he had mixed feelings regarding the promotion.
- I have mixed feelings about this new company policy.
The backstory
This psychological term has filtered into everyday speech to allow people to express uncertainty without sounding indecisive. It acknowledges the complexity of a situation while remaining non-committal.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check