A bit weedy

In British English, calling someone or something “a bit weedy” is a mildly dismissive way of saying they are weak, lacking strength, ineffective, or lacking backbone. It’s more colorful than simply saying “weak.”

The image comes from a weed in a garden: thin, spindly, and not robust.

If the Economist described the centre right in Latin America as “a bit weedy,” they were probably implying that it is:

• Politically not very strong or influential.

• Lacking energetic or charismatic leaders.

• Not putting forward bold policies.

• Unable to stand up effectively to opponents on the left or populists.

It’s a criticism, but not a harsh insult. It has a slightly dry, understated British tone.

Some similar British expressions include:

• Wishy-washy – lacking firm opinions or resolve.

• Feeble – weak or ineffective.

• Spineless – lacking courage.

• Wet – a classic British political term for someone viewed as too soft or insufficiently conservative (famously used in the era of Margaret Thatcher).

• Not much cop – not very good or effective.

For example:

• “The opposition is a bit weedy at the moment.” → The opposition is rather weak and ineffective.

• “He’s a bit weedy.” → He lacks physical robustness or assertiveness.

This kind of understated phrasing is very characteristic of British journalism. Saying “a bit weedy” often conveys a stronger criticism than the literal words suggest, while still sounding restrained and dry rather than blunt.