poohpoohing
Waving it away
Poohpoohing is dismissing something as unworthy of serious consideration: They kept poohpoohing my concerns about the budget.
The word captures a particular kind of condescension—waving away an idea or worry as if it were beneath notice.
Also spelled pooh-poohing.
Reduce to smallest extent
- trivializeMake light of
- downplayDiminish perceived importance
- diminishTo make smaller
- underestimateJudge too low
deprecate · undervalue · underrate · de-emphasize · make light of · play down · talk down · cheapen
Abrupt, curt rejection
- wave awayReject with gesture
- shrug offDismiss as unimportant
- discountReduced price offered
- disregardWillful lack of attention
reject · ignore · overlook · brush aside · write off · sweep aside · set aside · pass over
Contemptuous mocking treatment
- scoffMock with disdain
- sneerScornful expression
- jeerVocal expression of scorn
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
deride · taunt · gibe · lampoon · satirize · make fun of · laugh at · smirk
Lack of firm belief
- disbelieveRefuse to credit
- questionRequest for information
- distrustAbsence of confidence
- challengeTest of ability
dispute · debunk · second-guess · mistrust · discredit · call into question · raise eyebrows · suspect
Act superior toward
- look down onRegard with contempt
- talk down toSpeak condescendingly to someone
- snubDeliberate dismissive rejection
- high-hatDismiss with condescension
minimize
Reduce to smallest extent
- trivializeMake light of
- downplayDiminish perceived importance
- diminishTo make smaller
underestimate · deprecate · undervalue · underrate · de-emphasize · make light of · play down · talk down · cheapen · reduce
brushoff
Abrupt, curt rejection
disregard · reject · ignore · overlook · brush aside · write off · sweep aside · set aside · pass over · gloss over
ridicule
Contemptuous mocking treatment
scorn · deride · taunt · gibe · lampoon · satirize · make fun of · laugh at · smirk · snicker
doubt
Lack of firm belief
- disbelieveRefuse to credit
- questionRequest for information
- distrustAbsence of confidence
challenge · dispute · debunk · second-guess · mistrust · discredit · call into question · raise eyebrows · suspect
patronize
Act superior toward
- look down onRegard with contempt
- talk down toSpeak condescendingly to someone
- snubDeliberate dismissive rejection
poohpoohingembracing
Holding warmly, willingly accepting
championing · endorsing · applauding · praising · acclaiming
poohpoohingheeding
Attending to advice
respecting · valuing · validating · crediting · acknowledging