John Ciardi

It is easy enough to praise men for the courage of their convictions. I wish I could teach the sad young of this mealy generation the courage of their confusions.

English Dramatist

Use 'mealy' to describe foods that crumble easily and aren't moist.

Texture Related

'Mealy' can be positive when referring to desirable food textures.

Not Always Negative

'Mealy' can describe a pale skin tone that lacks vibrancy, often due to cold or illness.

Complexion Descriptor

When used for skin, 'mealy' often implies a less healthy look and carries some negative connotation.

Subtle Disapproval

Describing fruit as 'mealy' typically criticizes its lack of freshness or juiciness.

Negative Taste

When describing produce, 'mealy' warns that the texture may be unappealing to some.

Texture Warning

Use 'mealy-mouthed' to describe someone speaking without clarity or commitment, often to avoid trouble.

Weak Statement

'Mealy-mouthed' is often considered informal and is typically inappropriate in formal writing or speeches.

Avoid in Formality

Use 'mealy' to evoke a visual texture of fine particles, like flour or soft powder.

Visual Texture

'Mealy' indicates a residue that may be left behind by a material that disintegrates into a fine powder.

Substance Remnants

 wasp swoops in and lays its eggs in the melee buck when the eggs hatch the wasp larvae eat the mealy bug from the inside out killing it the new wasp soon mature and the process starts over again the infestation took a few years to fully manage but the economic benefits were huge for every dollar spent on mealy bug