milquetoast

[ milk-tohst ]

/ ˈmɪlkˌtoʊst /

a very timid, unassertive, spineless person, especially one who is easily dominated or intimidated: a milquetoast who's afraid to ask for a raise.

Also called Caspar Milquetoast.

Origin of milquetoast

1935–40, Americanism; after Caspar Milquetoast, a character in The Timid Soul, comic strip by H. T. Webster (1885–1952), American cartoonist

milk toast milquetoast

Either way, he stood out in a country whose media industry is often criticized for its milquetoast manner.

Canada’s Subversive Sock Puppet: Ed the Sock Isn’t Afraid to Say Anything |Soraya Roberts |November 13, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Hence, all the agreeing with Obama, all the adopting of milquetoast positions.

Debate III: Obama Wins, But Does It Do Him Any Good? |Michael Tomasky |October 23, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
In contrast, Santorum's milquetoast “disagreement” looks pathetic and unpresidential.

“Get Out!” Says Christian-Supremacist Pastor. Does Rick Santorum Agree? |Jay Michaelson |March 20, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
Is anybody planning on running a repeat of Milquetoast and the Crazies again?

Readers like GOP Rules, Just Not the Candidates |Ryan Prior |March 13, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

Gingrich has tried to depict Romney a milquetoast moderate in the line of former state governor Charlie Crist.

A Florida Win Will Make Headlines, But What About the Delegates? |Matthew DeLuca |January 27, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

milquetoast

/ (ˈmɪlkˌtəʊst) /

US and Canadian a meek, submissive, or timid person

C20: from Caspar Milquetoast, a cartoon character invented by H. T. Webster (1885–1952)