punt
Taken from the sport of football, punting is a passive-aggressive way of delaying an action or an inevitable result. When someone punts, it's usually because they are faced with an uncomfortable situation where they are afraid to give a clear answer, response, or explanation to avoid judgment, ridicule, or scorn.
"I asked Tony if he wanted to hang out, shoot some pool and get a couple of brews. Instead of telling me directly that he really didn't want to go, he punted, saying he needed to ask his wife first. Tony wanted to avoid the uncomfortable situation of possibly hurting my feelings, so he made his wife the scapegoat, because everyone knows what a selfish, possessive bitch she is."
punt by not for nothing October 27, 2019