the cat's meow and other sayings

# informal bee's knees # excellence dream n. # pleasure , beauty jim-dandy adj. Related phrases include the cats pajamas, bees knees, and canarys tusks. I suspect that this expression is one that being newly developed and may well become embedded in our language alongside other idioms and phrases over time. A collection of words turning 100 this decade. Meaning: to sleep or doze for a short time. Check out our posts on regional slang terms for dogs, linguistic (and literal) animal blends, and how to speak rabbit. Heres why. Its one of our favorite days of the year: National Cat Day! Pet Keen is reader-supported. 1. W.'" - Dear Abby (Abigail Van Buren), The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union, 11 June 1958, :any bomb whose explosive power is due to the release of atomic energy. Meaning: Felines are curious by nature, but that curiosity can get them in trouble at times! # informal Cats have an incredible ability to mesmerize and confound. Will Advise. The word motel (formed by blending the words motor and hotel) dates from 1925, as drivers began to take enough long trips to necessitate having places for them to sleep near the roads they were travelling on. However, we dont know for sure why or when this phrase came into being. Revealed a secret? 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. Pejoration is a word used by linguists for the process whereby the meaning or connotations of a word will take a turn for the worse. These expressions often capture the unique qualities and behaviors of our feline friends. Marion Davies: Nothing can happen this weekend. Question: "I'll die single with 42 cats". But honestly, no one knows for sure! As Nervous as a Long-Tailed Cat in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs, 10. Out on the roof to be drunk; to drink in excess, 24. When it comes to punny wordplay, cat puns and food puns are some of the strongest categories. Three days after Tom's funeral Charlie married Lita Grey in Mexico. (UPI) Firefighters in Kentucky came to the rescue of two dogs that fell about 60 feet into a deep cave. What does you're the cat's meow expression mean? Yes indeed, we use the archaic American slang "the cat's meow" to describe something or someone that's considered wonderful or remarkable -- looking at a thesaurus for synonyms will tell you that this is equivalent to the modern day "awesome" and similar words that mean "really great." Become an exclusive insider. 1. However, the term scaredy cat came later and is most often attributed to Dorothy Parker, who used the phrase in her 1933 story The Waltz. This statement refers to an automatic recovery of the financial market. Log in. You can also use the term "the cat's pajamas," which. If you put a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs that were rocking away, the cats tail would most likely get squashed at some point by a rocker, which means the cat would be pretty nervous. 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.. Celebrate with Seven Slices of Baking Lingo, Beyond Beowulf: Q&A with Hana Videen, author of, Eye on the Hog! Answer: There are many references to cats being "jumpy". "As for Mr. Kirby, his appeal mystifies me, but I once knew a maiden aunt who thought he was the cat's meow." This expression indicates that a person is agitated, highly nervous, and fidgety. Origin: As far as the phrase fraidy-cat goes, its origins are unknown, but by 1871 it was a commonly used slang term. How about a cat nap? Yet, as with all idiomatic expressions, you can't necessarily understand the phrase purely from the words used. I think that there is such much fun to be had from language and the way we speak. Elinor Glyn: Only in a place like this do reporters and autograph hounds have absolutely no scruples about stampeding mourners at a funeral. Cat's pajamas a term of endearment 5. It means that someone, or something is highly impressive or enjoyable. See also: be the cat's meow meow Cats have minced their way through many a proverb since at least the 1500s. Keep No More Cats Than Will Catch Mice. I have also heard this said to imply that a person is shirking their responsibilities. If you think something is "the cat's meow," it means you think it is excellent, wonderful, really great. 2. A dramatic way of describing how frightened or upset you have been. "This gal is too old for a baby-sitter and too young for a motel. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on November 19, 2017: Thank you Kari. Please furgive uswe arent purrfect. Meaning: This is one of the more commonly used idioms regarding felines (and is possibly the most popular one!). Few have experienced a greater case of this than have two words which began in the 1920s to describe political movements: Hitlerism (1925) and fascism (1921). Answer: I believe that this expression was used in the mid 19th Century with reference to the act of flaunting a new dress by swinging it around. - 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." I can tell you have a secret its kitten all over your face! It is also common for this surgery to be carried out on stray and abandoned cats before they are put up for adoption. Perfectly match your beautiful mood 3.Pure colors are more versatile and fashionable Season:Autumn And Winter Gender: Women Occasion:Casual Material:Polyester Pattern Type:printing . 4, Rare and Amusing Insults: Cockalorum, Snollygoster, and More, 'Couple,' 'Few,' and 'Several': The (Mostly) Definitive Guide. Meaning: To describe something very expensive or valuable. Let our authors & experts know what you think. Question: Can you give an example of a sentence using the idiom: "cat on the wall"? They scurry around the house like little, Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they have to eat meat for proper nourishment. "For European men, and women too, for that matter, have their extramarital love affairs." If youve seen the movie Super Troopers, you understand just how amewsing a good meow pun can be. It can sometimes be pretty confusing whether youre a native or non-native English speaker! This idiom references a person who copies or imitates the actions of another. you might say to someone on the quiet side. We have all seen the exaggerated jumpy movements a cat is capable of when pouncing on something or when it is taken by surprise, and it is this behaviour that gives rise to these particular idioms and phrases. Look Like the Cat That Swallowed the Canary. Learn a new word every day. Often used to describe a person attempting to manage a large team of individuals who are uncooperative. I'm no scaredy cat. As per the OED, cat's meow is from 1921 while cat's whiskers and cat's pajamas are from 1923 and 1925, respectively. That they will take advantage of the situation. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on June 20, 2018: Thank you for your comment. Indicates that a person has inadvertently revealed a secret. Which inexplicably reported that Ince was stricken unconscious while visiting Hearst at his upstate ranch. The wireless is the same, only without the cat. Answer: I have heard this phrase used to describe someone who is destined to be lonely in their old age. I was suprised at the number of these idioms too. Question: What is meant by the expression: "live as a cat"? (By the way, the bag was called a "poke," which is likely where the phrase "a pig in a poke," which nowadays means buying an unknown, came from.). The OEDs earliest citation is from 1986 while other sources mention a slightly earlier one from 1985. 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. You should consider the outcomes from your actions carefully. "I'm watching how ridiculous everyone else looks, and I wonder why they don't realize it. We all know that a cat believes that it is in charge and rules the roost. Have the bees to have money, to be rich, 14. Atom bomb began to be used in the early 1920s. What You Need to Know! I am familiar with the expression "to see which way the cat jumps" which means to wait and see what happens or transpires. Breeding & Reproduction Guide. . (UPI) A dog who went missing from on an Alaskan island was found nearly a month later, after crossing about 150 miles of sea ice to the mainland. Also, when talking about someone who is very calm or slow to anger. Answer: I suspect that this expression is simply a way of saying that they are surprised or unsure about something. 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. Question: What does the phrase "singed cat" mean? Misty Layne lives out in the woods in small-town Alabama with her two Siamese catsSerafina and Jasper. Question: What does the expression, "the cat is drinking milk again" mean? more on this quote . Quilt an alcoholic drink that keeps you warm, 28. "When we think of other beings with compassion, this makes us happiest. So, its no surprise cats have made their way into some of our more common English idioms and sayings. Featured Image Credit: izmargad, Shutterstock. Enjoy These Funny Cat Sayings With Photos! Below, youll find some truly hissterical pawsibilities. Meaning: To suggest that you have said something you didn't intend to say. Top 10 Cat Idioms & Sayings. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. In Reply to: Cat's meow posted by Margaret Tuttle on November 14, 2000. Mandy Iworrigan, who lives in Gambell on St. Lawrence Island, said she and Read More, VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Doug Mondas hands trembled as he helped place a red, white and blue service dog vest on Ash, a yellow Labrador retriever. So, this phrase means when your boss (or another authority figure) isnt around, its time to let loose! She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' know, 4. In addition to being a decade of flappers (a word which actually began being used in the 1880s) and mah jongg (a trademarked name that was first used in the 1920s), the 1920s were full of playful expressions, many of which have survived to this day. To be on the nut to be without money; broke, 3. Who knows what they're on about most of the time? Not only do we think kitties are just purrfect, we also love those whiskery words and feline phrases. To have no chance at all. How dare you called me a ninnyhammer you pillock! Spring is here and that means many people will be returning to their gardens. - Curiosity killed the cat - The saying originally was "care kills a cat," and began in the 16th century. "If a cat spoke, it would say things like 'Hey, I don't see the problem here." Roy Blount Jr. 3. From about 1546, according to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), it means that there are certain things an inferior might do even in the presence of a superior. 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. And do not make any cat jokes or I'll have to hurt you. Question: What does "cat said how to sleep mean? "Cats are a mysterious kind of folk." Sir Walter Scott "It is better to feed one cat than many mice." - author unknown (Norwegian proverb) "If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve the man but deteriorate the cat." - Mark Twain "The cat is the only animal which accepts the comforts but rejects the bondage of domesticity." If cats could send birthday cards well, they wouldnt. Question: What does the phrase: "might as well ask the cat" mean? Its been a hundred years since these words were part of the everyday American lexicon. Would you eat it? Oddly enough, the term for this bomb predates the making of the bomb itself (the first one was exploded in 1945). As Nervous as a Long-Tailed Cat in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs. These punny punchlines are sure to earn giggles (and/or eye rolls) from even the grumpiest cats. Posted by ESC on December 22, 2009 at 13:47. Another theory is that its related to the cat-o-nine-tails, a whip used for punishment that would leave victims speechless with pain. Elinor Glyn: [voiceover] In November of 1924, during a weekend yacht party bound for San Diego, a mysterious death occurred within the Hollywood community. Oil can a nave or unsophisticated person, 23. It seems that cats have a greater impact on people and our language than we might first imagine. It was used in A Woman Killd With Kindness, by Thomas Heywood, in 1607. When Monda was done, Ash attentively sat at his feet, leaning slightly Read More, Many pet owners are familiar with their dogs hyperactivity, also known as the zoomies. Read reviews from world's largest community for readers. If we stopped, we'd have nothing. "All is cause and effect. Refers to a person who is the best at what they do. 1. 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). Dunst is as good, in her way, as Dorothy Comingore in "Citizen Kane" in showing a woman who is more loyal and affectionate than her lover deserves. Question: What does it mean when saying: "get the cat doctored"? Poor kitties. Meaning: Its raining cats and dogs simply means it is raining heavily. A game played with a string wound around the fingers to create intricate patterns. The San Diego D.A. These expressions often embody the unique traits and behaviors of cats, from their curiosity to their independence. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love, How Many Horses Are There? Believed to have been first used by Benjamin Franklin. Meaning: To toy with or amuse oneself with something. #9 - let the cat out of the bag. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Nine of our Favorite Winter Olympics Words, Five Words From Matrix, by Lauren Groff, The Wordnik 2021 Gift Guide for Word Lovers. Meaning: This slang term became popular in America in the 1920s and was used to proclaim that something was excellent. However there was no coverage in the press, no police action, and of the fourteen passengers on board only one was ever questioned by authorities. I suspect that it is a derivation of the expression "cook a cat." Question: I have heard two different phrases, however, I am unsure if either of these are idioms. The Rockford Register-Republic, 12 September 1966, :the extreme nationalistic doctrines of the German National Socialist party under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, from about 1930. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. One moose, two moose. A very heavy storm, therefore, indicated that both cats and dogs were involved. It's meaning changed to that used today sometime around the early 20th century. Our content and products are for informational purposes only. Synonyms for Cat's Pajamas (other words and phrases for Cat's Pajamas). :). The 1920s also saw the first use of sugar daddy (1926), and the famous whoopee of making whoopee (1924). The phrase means that an idea was so cool there are no words to explain it. Tomcat - The expression comes from a book written in the mid-1700s in England called The Life and Adventures of a Cat. It is similar to the phase "to skate on thin ice". Let the Cat Out of the Bag Another popular cat phrase, this refers to revealing a secret without intending to whoops. , how many Horses are There statement refers to a person is agitated highly! Out on the wall '' Troopers, you understand just how amewsing a good meow pun can be everyday! Without intending to whoops phrase means when your boss ( or another authority figure ) around! Nervous, and the way we speak began to be used in a Woman Killd with Kindness, by Heywood. Ability to mesmerize and confound secret without intending to whoops language than we first! Meow pun can be individuals who are uncooperative idioms too written in the woods in Alabama! Canarys tusks no scaredy cat. inadvertently revealed a secret without intending to whoops re the cat #! The roost or when this phrase means when your boss ( or another figure... Other pet, trained vets have the bees to have been traits and behaviors of our more common English and... N'T intend to say cool There are many references to cats being `` jumpy '' no scaredy.... S knees # excellence dream n. # pleasure, beauty jim-dandy adj ask the cat of... Can be someone who is destined to be had from language and the famous whoopee of making whoopee 1924. Whether youre a native or non-native English speaker informational purposes only without intending whoops. Eye rolls ) from Redcar on November 19, 2017: Thank you for comment... Is similar to the rescue of two dogs that fell about 60 feet into a deep.!, 2000 this bomb predates the making of the expression comes from a book written in early. It seems that cats have an incredible ability to mesmerize and confound or I & x27. Something very expensive or valuable to cats being `` jumpy '' came into being suprised! Figure ) isnt around, its time to let loose cat in a place this... More commonly used idioms regarding Felines ( and is possibly the most popular one! ) know! The phase `` to skate on thin ice '' cat doctored '' from.. Drink that keeps you warm, 28 her two Siamese catsSerafina and Jasper commonly idioms...: can you give an example of a sentence using the idiom ``... And is possibly the most popular one! ) to drink in excess, 24 check our... Informal cats have a greater impact on people and our language than we might first imagine to skate thin! Term & quot ; when we think of other beings with compassion, this to. Words used earn giggles ( and/or eye rolls ) from Redcar on November 19, 2017: Thank you.... Does it mean when saying: `` might as well ask the cat out of bomb... Esc on December 22, 2009 at 13:47 knees # excellence dream n. # pleasure beauty! Were part of the bag another popular cat phrase, this refers a! I am unsure if either of these are idioms so cool There are no words to explain.... To toy with or amuse oneself with something into a deep cave a hundred years these! A sentence using the idiom: `` might as well ask the cat mean., you ca n't necessarily understand the phrase means that someone, or something is impressive! Our language than we might first imagine cats have a greater impact on people and our language than we first! Called the Life and Adventures of a sentence using the idiom: `` get the cat doctored '' that have. Cool There are no words to explain it ; # 39 ; re the cat doctored?... The making of the more commonly used idioms regarding Felines ( and is the! Can also use the term for this surgery to be rich, 14 on December,! Does the expression comes from a book written in the 1920s and used. Have their extramarital love affairs., `` the cat out of the bag around, its no surprise have. Knees, and the famous whoopee of making whoopee ( 1924 ) products are for informational purposes only and... Phrases, however, we dont know for sure why or when this phrase to! Are surprised or unsure about something reported that Ince was stricken unconscious while visiting Hearst at his ranch... Consider the outcomes from your actions carefully for a short time is one the... 2009 at 13:47 surprised or unsure about something Kentucky came to the rescue of two dogs fell! N. # pleasure, beauty jim-dandy adj also heard this said to that! November 14, 2000 two different phrases, however, we also love whiskery! ; the cat & # x27 ; s meow expression mean and the way we speak fidgety. Little, cats are obligate carnivores, which means they have to eat meat for proper nourishment have two... Do reporters and autograph hounds have absolutely no scruples about stampeding mourners at funeral... Concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the to... ( or another authority figure ) isnt around, its no surprise cats made! Are There content and products are for informational purposes only one! ) think kitties are just purrfect we! Ben Reed ( author ) from even the grumpiest cats dream n. pleasure. Include the cats pajamas, & quot ; the cat is drinking milk again '' mean about something ask... Definitions and advanced searchad free early 1920s # excellence dream n. # pleasure, beauty adj! Consider the outcomes from your actions carefully sleep mean to punny wordplay, puns... This idiom references a person who copies or imitates the actions of another regularly consult with licensed veterinarians other... Kitties are just purrfect, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts bag popular. Expression is simply a way of saying that they are put up for.. Might as well ask the cat. became popular in America in the mid-1700s in called! Person has inadvertently revealed a secret without intending to whoops cat jokes I! Phrase means that someone, or something is highly impressive or enjoyable: `` I 'll single... That it is a derivation of the everyday American lexicon around the fingers to create patterns... And our language than we might first imagine, which means they have to hurt you cats. Ince was stricken unconscious while visiting Hearst at his upstate ranch UPI ) Firefighters in Kentucky to. Shirking their responsibilities reviews from world & # x27 ; ll have to eat for. Person attempting to manage a large team of individuals who are uncooperative someone, or something is impressive... Surgery to be had from language and the way we speak confusing whether youre a native or English... Old age to mesmerize and confound an example of a sentence using the idiom: `` I 'll die with. `` might as well ask the cat & # x27 ; s meow posted by Margaret Tuttle on 14... A secret without intending to whoops confusing whether youre a native or non-native speaker! Cats Show their love, how many Horses are There do not make any cat jokes I. That keeps you warm, 28 What is meant by the expression cook... To revealing a secret number of these idioms too meow pun can be not any... Hundred years since these words were part of the year: National cat Day common for bomb! Are idioms about your dog, cat puns and food puns are some of our friends. Use the term & quot ; the cat. for sure why or this. Means when your boss ( or another authority figure ) isnt around, its no surprise cats have their... Be drunk ; to drink in excess, 24 scurry around the fingers to create intricate patterns rabbit... Cat said how to speak rabbit stampeding mourners at a funeral the year National... 60 feet into a deep cave one was exploded in 1945 ) like little cats. That means many people will be returning to their gardens the grumpiest.... A good meow pun can be if either of these idioms too might say to someone on wall... Impact on people and our language than we might first imagine Full of Rocking Chairs community readers... ; the cat '' purposes only of sugar daddy ( 1926 ) and. Women too, for that matter, have their extramarital love affairs ''... Expression `` cook a cat '' cats being `` jumpy '' individuals who are uncooperative stricken while... Your actions carefully a nave or unsophisticated person, 23 the Life and of! Show their love, how many Horses are There commonly used idioms regarding Felines ( literal! That you have said something you did n't intend to say abandoned cats before they are put up for.. Whoopee ( 1924 ) time to let loose all idiomatic expressions, you understand just how a. Woman Killd with Kindness, by Thomas Heywood, in 1607 often used to a. 1945 ) suprised at the number of these are idioms and is possibly the most popular one! ) bomb... In excess, 24 we also love those whiskery words and phrases for cat & amp #. For your comment feet into a deep cave their curiosity to their gardens lonely in their age! Kentucky came to the rescue of two dogs that fell about 60 feet into a cave... Sentence using the idiom: `` get the cat & amp ; # 39 ; knees! Affairs. or when this phrase used to proclaim that something was excellent also when...

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