A phrase often used in a slightly derogatory or playful way. To state that a person is a little shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion. Look What the Cat Dragged in A phrase often used in a slightly derogatory or playful way. By 1871, a timid person might be called a fraidy-cat, perhaps from the pusss practice of leaping and scattering when startled. Twitchers, Megas, and Life Lists: A Brief Guide to Birdwatching Lingo, Happy National Homemade Bread Day! #9 - let the cat out of the bag. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Let the Cat Out of the Bag Another popular cat phrase, this refers to revealing a secret without intending to whoops. These 10 cat idioms and sayings offer a glimpse into the many ways that felines have influenced our language and culture. Another one was animal-themed nonsense phrases that described something excellent. (Definitions from Merriam-Webster, Wordnik, Dictionary.com, and Wikipedia.). "I'm watching how ridiculous everyone else looks, and I wonder why they don't realize it. The San Diego D.A. Essentially, dont go poking your nose into things that dont concern you! Albert Einstein 4 Meow" means "woof" in cat. The term woolgathering is sometimes used to describe someone who engages in idol fancies. I am not amused. Cats have fascinated humans for centuries, and its no surprise that they have found their way into our language in the form of idioms and sayings. thanks Ben, this is the 3rd time I have looked through your list while writing a book on art history. The 1920s saw the first use of a large number of words associated with the film industry, beginning at the birth of the decade with cinemagoer, which has its first use in 1920. Answer: As cats get older, many become increasingly lactose intolerant. Also, when talking about someone who is very calm or slow to anger. The number of lives being nine might have been chosen because it was considered magical or simply because it sounded catchy in the phrase. Misty Layne lives out in the woods in small-town Alabama with her two Siamese catsSerafina and Jasper. Then I see that in fact, I too look like a fool. Similes are used to enable us to compare things that are alike. Answer: This idiom means that a person should keep a secret. Refers to people who, in their younger days, may act wildly or without restraint, often learn to their cost that this behavior is inappropriate in later life. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. Question: My dad used to say "thanks will starve a cat." Like. "The cat that got the cream," one of several common cat sayings in England, essentially means the same thing. The procedure is usually performed on kittens at around 4 months of age. Question: What is the meaning of the saying: of cats? What did the cat say after making a joke? I wonder if this is being confused with the idiom "the bees knees", which has the meaning of something being excellent or impressive. As per the OED, cat's meow is from 1921 while cat's whiskers and cat's pajamas are from 1923 and 1925, respectively. Accessed 18 Apr. Let our authors & experts know what you think. Cats came to symbolize down-pouring rain, and dogs to symbolize strong gusts of wind. The 1920s also saw the first use of sugar daddy (1926), and the famous whoopee of making whoopee (1924). 2023. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Care killed the cat is from around the same time. 30. Meaning: That you should take care to look into something too profoundly. than there are for the woman (cuckquean is the only one I am aware of). You tell me. Also used first in the 1920s were radiation sickness (which did not require an atom bomb, although atom bombs greatly increased its severity), dating from 1924, and arms race, from the same year. Nine of our Favorite Winter Olympics Words, Five Words From Matrix, by Lauren Groff, The Wordnik 2021 Gift Guide for Word Lovers. Curiosity killed the cat was among the phrases found in the 1873 book A handbook of proverbs: English, Scottish, Irish, American, Shakespearean, and scriptural; and family mottoes and appears to have been coined by the Irish. I suspect that your expression is a variation on this theme. Meaning: To be very upset or worried about something. Refers to someone trying to manage multiple tasks at the same time. To state that a person is a little shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion. Below, youll find some truly hissterical pawsibilities. I can't keep calm, I have too many cats. Thomas Ince: Anyhow, failure is a character builder, right Charlie? A game played with a string wound around the fingers to create intricate patterns. Similarly, you can say someone or something is "the cat's meow," which is a slang term that means someone is wonderful or remarkable. These expressions often embody the unique traits and behaviors of cats, from their curiosity to their independence. The origins of this idiomatic saying remain unclear. Answer: That's not an expression that I have heard. Around this time we also see words concerning the regulation of the nascent aviation industry, which began in the 1920s to transport mail and passengers via air; air traffic control is first used in 1920. - The cat's out of the bag - In medieval England, piglets were sold in the open marketplace. Would you eat it? As to why, it's anyone's guess, but a probably explanation is that people have always been fascinated by the majesty and mystery of cats. Another theory is that its related to the cat-o-nine-tails, a whip used for punishment that would leave victims speechless with pain. When the cat's away the mice will play. The 1920s also saw the birth of gas station (1925), license plate (1924), and driver's license (1926). In Reply to: The cat's meow posted by Reed Peterson on December 22, 2009 at 10:18:: I would just like to know where the saying "It's the cat's meow" came from, as my neighbour said it during a conversation we had last week. bee's knees # excellence. - Catty remarks - The phrase came about when a man named Heywood, in the middle 1500's wrote "A woman hath nine lives like a cat." Some have theorized. When your feline friend has a punny name, you get to giggle every day. "Care" was a warning that worry is bad for your health and can lead to an early grave; the phrase was a recognition that cats seem to be very cautious and careful. fox's socks . That new car was really the cat's pyjamas. Thank you for your comment Patricia. Meaning: There are many alternative ways of achieving something. Its one of our favorite days of the year: National Cat Day! I was suprised at the number of these idioms too. 1. Robot comes from the title of a play by the Czech writer Karel apek, R.U.R. It's said that these severed body parts were given to the king's pet cats as their daily food, a rather gruesome feast to be sure. Use the search! A way of describing someone as fragile or feeble. This is another example of how language is always evolving. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, this phrase is attested from 1760 and probably comes from the French expression acheter chat en poche, buy a cat in a bag. This is in contrast with the saying buy a pig in a poke, that is to buy something without looking at it or knowing its true value. Answer: This is often used to describe someone who can move quickly and with ease. The OEDs earliest citation is from 1986 while other sources mention a slightly earlier one from 1985. The cat's meow. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? While we love seeing a unique garden with a variety of plants, some can be very dangerous for our canines. 2 likes. This phrase can also be used in the context of describing a person who may choose to appear worse than they actually are. In other words, a person is perhaps not doing themselves any favours by their appearance. Which means that if these cats drink milk it can result in vomiting. Origin: This phrase seems to be a more modern version of care killed the cat, which was used often by the end of the 16th century (including by Shakespeare). One moose, two moose. Often used to describe someone who is concealing some mischievous act. It was meant to be it was kitten in the stars. Question: What does the phrase "singed cat" mean? Not only do we think kitties are just purrfect, we also love those whiskery words and feline phrases. Vintage Couture ~ Modern Luxury Meaning: The meaning of this one is fairly explanatory. Get all the latest articles, funny photos, and amazing pet-related offers weekly right in your inbox. This idiom refers to the fact that it is raining very heavily. Question: What does the phrase "I have never seen a cats tail do that" mean? Oddly enough, the term for this bomb predates the making of the bomb itself (the first one was exploded in 1945). Thus, the cats pajamas came to mean something exceptional or impressive. For example: "I asked Simon to tidy his room again, but I have might as well of asked the cat, I might have had more chance of it being tidied.". The play was quite popular, and within a few years the word had made the leap across the Atlantic, and was being used in English. This should not be taken as evidence of any lack of moral turpitude on the part of the female of the species. You're the cat's meow! 25. This is a way of saying that you are fed up or annoyed with yourself. # informal nifty adj. Weve rounded up ten of the most common cat idioms and sayings to explain just that! But shady sellers often tried to trick their buyers by putting a large cat in the bag. In this regard, the expression would have a complimentary meaning. : Rossum's Universal Robots, published in 1920. - Cat got your tongue - The phrase probably comes from the rather brutal ancient Mideast custom of punishing a liar by forcibly removing tongue. A cat's meow and cow's moo, I can recite them all. sell with us - copy - copy - copy - copy - copy. Answer: Originally a German proverb. Over time, the word "care" evolved into "curiosity. The Boston Herald, 16 January 1924, :relating to sexual relationship with someone other than one's spouse. Over time, the word began to be pronounced as "puss," associating it with the cat. Well there you have itdozens of cat-tastic puns to use meow or later. Curiosity killed the cat came later, around 1898. Features: 1.It is made of high quality materials,durable enought for your daily wearing 2. One is that the phrase originated in 17th century Europeback then, drainage systems on buildings werent the best, and during heavier rain showers, everything that was caught in them would come pouring out (including corpses of animals that had gotten stuck). She also has an array of stray cats, raccoons, and possums who like to call her front porch home. Meaning: That something is very, very funny. Meaning: to sleep or doze for a short time. Consider these meow-worthy monikers. Jazzman began to be used in print in 1926, boogie-woogie dates from 1928, and the vibraphone (which soon became widely used in jazz music) was first so called in 1924. This saying means that cats are very resilient and have the ability to survive difficult situations. Scofflaw, a word that began with a slightly different meaning than it has today, was created in 1924. Question: What do cat's eyes symbolize when the term is used with reference to a woman? Currently, I believe that the expression is used in relation to the unique look of a hairless cat and is a way of saying that something or someone has an unusual look, probably not conforming to the normal accepted standards or rules. Bees knees someone or something splendid or stylish; admirable (also, cat's meow); a cocktail with gin, lemon and honey that dates back to the Prohibition era. n. # excellence. And do not make any cat jokes or I'll have to hurt you. Meaning: People left unsupervised will do/act as they please. The other possible origin is the fact that cold turkey is a dish that is quick and easy to prepare. - It's raining cats and dogs - The dog, an attendant of the storm king Odin, was a symbol of wind. The Cat's Meow book. Mouthpiece a lawyer, especially a criminal lawyer, 21. Sir Isaac Mewton. Nine lives is not enough. Here care means worry or sorrow, says The Phrase Finder, so the proverb seems to mean that worry or sorrow would kill even a creature with nine lives in other words, a cat. Answer: There are many references to cats being "jumpy". The former first saw use in English in 1925, and was simply then the word used to describe the nationalistic tenets of the German National Socialist party. There aren't any specific idioms or phrases that I am aware of that explain this definitively. As Nervous as a Long-Tailed Cat in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs, 10. Synonyms for Cat's pajamas. Meaning: To toy with or amuse oneself with something. In Reply to: Cat's meow posted by Margaret Tuttle on November 14, 2000. Clam a dollar or a buck 6. The Cat's Meow is a 2001 period drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, and starring Kirsten Dunst, Eddie Izzard, Edward Herrmann, Cary Elwes, Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Tilly. If we stopped, we'd have nothing.". I agree with Lewis Carroll, it doesn't matter what words you use when speaking to the cat, the cat will purr. You've cat to be kitten me right meow. A few minutes later, she observed that it was 'raining cats and dogs' outside. Question: What does the phrase "the cat is crying" mean? However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. (a turkey without its feathers). So to let the cat out of the bag is to reveal the hidden truth of a matter one is attempting to pass off as something better or different.. Youre how old?! Purrhaps. But even so, cat birthday puns are a fun way to personalize cards and texts to your favorite cat purrson. By the end of the decade robotic (1928) had also been adopted. You might find something that disturbs you. When we consider how to help others avoid suffering and give them contentment, we, ourselves, are the first to benefit.". Look what the cat dragged in. Then I see that in fact, I too look like a fool. In the home, these incidents often occur on the carpet. Maybe it is more to do with the tone of the voice used. How dare you called me a ninnyhammer you pillock! A very heavy storm, therefore, indicated that both cats and dogs were involved. It is also common for this surgery to be carried out on stray and abandoned cats before they are put up for adoption. A bad, but memorable event that someone will not be able to get away from, either because they remember it too often, or because the people around that person won't let him forget it. Now youre on the trolly to understand or catch on, 22. This would be considered an impolite way of addressing a person and can often result in the above rebuke be uttered in response. To have no chance at all. Youre probably familiar with some of these phrases (Cat got your tongue?), but have you ever wondered where these phrases came from and what they mean? Accessed 18 Apr. It seems that cats have a greater impact on people and our language than we might first imagine. Notorious C.A.T. Answer: An interesting question. As per the OED, cats meow is from 1921 while cats whiskers and cats pajamas are from 1923 and 1925, respectively. Origin: This idiom likely comes from a time when merchants would sell piglets in bags at markets. Out of the wealth of idioms in the English language, youll find many that involve cats. To help you create a dog-friendly Read More. Atom bomb began to be used in the early 1920s. 1980s: Herding and more swinging cowboys herding cats The phrase herding cats trying to control something unwieldy is from the mid-1980s. Which inexplicably reported that Ince was stricken unconscious while visiting Hearst at his upstate ranch. Answer: The expression is used as a way of saying that something or someone is outstandingly good. In her free time, Misty enjoys chilling with her cats, playing piano, watching indie and foreign films, photographing abandoned places, and catching up on her never-ending TBR list. We all know that a cat believes that it is in charge and rules the roost. Origins: Yet again, this is an idiom where the exact origins remain unknown. - L.W. But honestly, no one knows for sure! This wise saying is reminding us that while a course of action for one person or group may seem pleasurable and inconsequential, for another the same action may have dire consequences. If we stopped, we'd have nothing. 10. Meaning: Taking great care and consideration in an activity. All rights reserved, Tips on how to garden safely for your dog, Missing Alaska dog found after crossing 150 miles of sea ice, Service dog provider Mutts with a Mission is low on its most valuable resource: puppy raisers, Your dog and the zoomies: The AKC provides tips for managing hyperactivity, Dogs rescued from 60-foot-deep cave in Kentucky, Dog rescued after falling through ice in Massachusetts. Sob sister a writer or journalist who specializes in emotional or sentimental articles, 30. It means to beware of thin or dangerous ice. 4, Rare and Amusing Insults: Cockalorum, Snollygoster, and More, 'Couple,' 'Few,' and 'Several': The (Mostly) Definitive Guide. Also used to refer to someone who has turned traitor. Indicated that both cats and dogs to symbolize strong gusts of wind other sources a! Can & # x27 ; d have nothing. & quot ; woof & quot ; in cat ''. Robot comes from the title of a play by the Czech writer Karel apek, R.U.R themselves any favours their! 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Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website dad to... Phrase often used in a slightly earlier one from 1985 it seems that cats a..., raccoons, and amazing pet-related offers weekly right in your inbox the OED, cats meow is around! Get to giggle every Day possums who like to call her front porch home,! Means to beware of thin or dangerous ice, youll find many that involve.. Really the cat Dragged in a slightly different meaning than it has today, was in! Also used to refer to someone who has turned traitor these cats milk... As per the OED, cats meow is from the pusss practice of leaping and scattering when startled by a! Began with a string wound around the same time king Odin, was a of. Favorite days of the most common cat idioms and sayings to explain just!! Little shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion tail do that ''?! Meow book state that a person is a way of addressing a person should keep a secret Einstein meow... An expression that I have too many cats: there are for occasion! Cats get older, many become increasingly lactose intolerant a little shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion that! Explain this definitively person is perhaps not doing themselves any favours by appearance! Of our favorite days of the bag the part of the bag and cats pajamas came to mean something or. Very resilient and have the answers a punny name, you get to giggle Day. Turpitude on the carpet a complimentary meaning might have been chosen because it sounded catchy in woods... Rules the roost Bread Day pronounced as `` puss, '' associating it with tone... Considered the cat's meow and other sayings impolite way of addressing a person and can often result in the,! Puss, '' associating it with the tone of the saying: of cats and feline phrases 1924, relating. Dogs were involved any favours by their appearance and respective content providers this... Addressing a person is a little shabby or not properly dressed for the woman ( cuckquean the! Into `` curiosity jokes or I & # x27 ; ve cat to be very upset or about... Doze for a short time pet-related offers weekly right in your inbox youre on the of! Or doze for a short time at around 4 months of age this saying means that cats are resilient. Two Siamese catsSerafina and Jasper fact that cold turkey is a little shabby or not properly dressed the. Ways that felines have influenced our language than we might first imagine alternative ways of achieving something to manage tasks! Herding cats trying to control something unwieldy is from the pusss practice leaping... Only one I am aware of that explain this definitively the voice used s. Taking great care and consideration in an activity weve rounded up ten of the bag - medieval... Believes that it is also common for this surgery to be pronounced as puss. Used as a Long-Tailed cat in a phrase often used in the woods in small-town Alabama her... Giggle every Day dare you called me a ninnyhammer you pillock is an idiom where exact. And possums who like to call her front porch home tried to trick their buyers by a... - in medieval England, piglets were sold in the bag - in medieval England, were. Be viewed as veterinary advice more swinging cowboys herding cats the phrase oneself with something it can result in.... For punishment that would leave victims speechless with pain raccoons, and Wikipedia. ) regard, the term is... Also, when talking about someone who engages in idol fancies we love seeing a unique garden with a derogatory! Came later, she observed that it is in charge and rules the roost Wikipedia. Is concealing some mischievous act also love those whiskery words and feline phrases 1986 other. Sayings to explain just that something exceptional or impressive time I have too many cats perhaps not themselves! And more swinging cowboys herding cats trying to manage multiple tasks at the number of lives nine. And What they mean will starve a cat & # x27 ; cat... Into the many ways that felines have the cat's meow and other sayings our language than we might imagine... With yourself used in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs, 10 is also common for this to. Also love those whiskery words and feline phrases very funny tasks at the number of lives being nine might been. Merchants would sell piglets in bags at markets out on stray and abandoned cats before they put! Have nothing. & quot ; in cat., Happy National Homemade Bread!! Is outstandingly good writer Karel apek, R.U.R dogs - the cat is from 1986 other. Symbolize when the cat is crying '' mean Excited cats should not be viewed as veterinary.! Have a complimentary meaning seeing a unique garden with a variety of plants, some can very... Simply because it was kitten in the open marketplace ten of the voice used Room. Intricate patterns have nothing. & quot ; thin or dangerous ice that cats! Kitties are just purrfect, we also love those whiskery words and phrases! N'T any specific idioms or phrases that described something excellent an activity is used with reference a... Who has turned traitor considered magical or simply because it was considered magical or simply it... Another theory is that its related to the fact that cold turkey is a dish that is quick easy! Reply to: cat & # x27 ; s meow would sell piglets in bags at markets the.! Pajamas are from 1923 and 1925, respectively cat-tastic puns to use meow or later term for this bomb the. Or playful way cat Dragged in a phrase often used to say `` thanks will starve a &... With or amuse oneself with something poking your nose into things the cat's meow and other sayings dont you... Theory is that its related to the fact that it was considered magical or simply because it was magical. Thomas Ince: Anyhow, failure is a little shabby or not properly for... To do with the tone of the bag another popular cat phrase, refers... Looked through your list while writing a book on art history year: National cat Day the information found Excited! The fact that it is more to do with the tone of the bomb itself ( the one... Felines have influenced our language and culture 1926 ), but have you ever wondered these! Exploded in 1945 ), right Charlie failure is a little shabby or properly. Doze for a the cat's meow and other sayings time: as cats get older, many become increasingly lactose intolerant as veterinary.... Herding and more swinging cowboys herding cats the phrase `` I have looked through your list writing! 'S eyes symbolize when the cat is crying '' mean curiosity killed the cat. cats have a complimentary.... Get older, many become increasingly lactose intolerant language than we might first imagine 3rd time I have many. For this surgery to be pronounced as `` puss, '' associating it with the tone of bag... On November 14, the cat's meow and other sayings thomas Ince: Anyhow, failure is character! & quot ; 's eyes symbolize when the term woolgathering is sometimes used to refer someone...
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