the cat's meow and other sayingsthe cat's meow and other sayings

Charlie Chaplin: Did you really believe I would stay away? Meaning: The meaning of this one is fairly explanatory. Log in. Similar to the atom bomb, the rocket ship was talked and written about well before it existed. Are you smitten with kitten puns? Web. - There's more than one way to skin a cat - The reference is to preparing a catfish (named as such because of its long whiskers) for cooking, which must be skinned because the skin is tough. Question: What does as calm as a cat mean? What You Need to Know! 1 review. Origin: Again, the origins of this phrase are unclear. It's meaning changed to that used today sometime around the early 20th century. But others may use the term in a derogatory way to describe someone of shady character or repute. Kari Poulsen from Ohio on November 18, 2017: That's wonderful, Ben! 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. Lolly got her lifetime contract, and for the next thirty years became the most powerful and feared gossip columnist in America. Meaning: There are many alternative ways of achieving something. Reminiscent of the 17th-century phrase not enough room to swing a cat is the more macabre cant swing a dead cat without hitting something there are too many of. The cat's meow. Meaning: This feline phrase is used fairly often as well. The celebration is cut short by an unusual death that would go on to become the subject of legendary Hollywood folklore. 22 Popular Cat Sayings. Then youve let the cat out of the bag. There aren't any specific idioms or phrases that I am aware of that explain this definitively. Claim your rewards from the Reader Perks section. Monica Weymouth is a Philadelphia-based writer, editor, animal lover, and Jeopardy! Origins: Like the cat that ate the canary hasnt been around as long as many other cat sayings. "Whip the cat" has a different meaning in some countries, for example, in Australia, it is also used to complain or moan about something. 2023. Become an exclusive insider. - The Rockford Republic, 22 September 1930, :a contemptuous lawbreaker;especially:one who ignores parking tickets. The meaning of THE CAT'S MEOW is used to say that someone or something is very appealing. "As for Mr. Kirby, his appeal mystifies me, but I once knew a maiden aunt who thought he was the cat's meow." Question: My dad used to say "thanks will starve a cat." 1. Suggestive of someone avoiding a decision or avoiding saying what they mean. Below, youll find some truly hissterical pawsibilities. However, I believe that it may be related to the fact that cats are "crepuscular" in that that they are most active during twilight hours and dusk. But shady sellers often tried to trick their buyers by putting a large cat in the bag. Definition of cat's meow as in something else something very good of its kind this flapper-style dress was the cat's meow back in the roaring 1920s Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance something else beauty dream hot stuff crackajack wonder peach marvel bee's knees phenomenon sockdologer daisy sweetheart ripper beaut pip honey snorter ripsnorter The "hero" of the book, a male cat who enjoyed the favors of many female cats, was named Tom. Another one was animal-themed nonsense phrases that described something excellent. However, why a cat would have ones tongue is unclear. Poor kitties. Answer: This is a simile, which is a type of idiom. Robots, "Atom Bombs," and "Rocket Ships" Were All Born in the Jazz Age, 9 Odd (but essential!) Pajamas, especially silk pajamas, became quite popular the 1920's, the era of jazz music and flapper dresses. Owning a Munchkin cat is like owning a ferret and a cat simultaneously. By understanding the origins and meanings of these idioms, we can appreciate the rich history and significance of our feline companions in human language. Most often used when a mother is called "she" in a conversation. In Reply to: Cat's meow posted by Margaret Tuttle on November 14, 2000. Thomas Ince: Anyhow, failure is a character builder, right Charlie? This idiom refers to the fact that it is raining very heavily. Generally, the expression is used to describe a situation where you are in charge of your own destiny, free to roam, perhaps be somewhat pampered, but probably more importantly, to be a free spirit. - The cat's out of the bag - In medieval England, piglets were sold in the open marketplace. One goose, two geese. See also: meow Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. - Carol Bird, The San Francisco Chronicle, 13 January 1929. Meaning: To be extraordinarily self-satisfied or smug. 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. Origin: This idiom likely comes from a time when merchants would sell piglets in bags at markets. Meaning: to sleep or doze for a short time. It seems that cats have a greater impact on people and our language than we might first imagine. "A cat has nine lives.". [pans to everyone dancing on the deck of the Oneida to the Charleston] But I'm watching how ridiculous everyone else looks, and I wonder why they don't realize it. I have never heard this phrase expressed in quite this way. 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. Curiosity killed the cat came later, around 1898. thanks Ben, this is the 3rd time I have looked through your list while writing a book on art history. There is More Than One Way to Skin a Cat. A phrase often used in a slightly derogatory or playful way. "So there is no use of fighting a situation which has become an institution and for which there is no remedy excepting that of blowing up Paris by an atom bomb as forecasted by H. G. Wells some years ago." 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love, How Many Horses Are There? One moose, two moose. Cat got your tongue? A good example being "like a bag of cats.". Meaning: To have absolutely no prospect of doing something. Will Advise. Charlie Chaplin: [Looking at the note] Yeah, but I didn't get Thomas Ince's blood on it! Leonardo DiCatrio. In severe cases, cats will become dehydrated and quite ill. Delivered to your inbox! Eventually she retired to manage her husband, Paul Whiteman, the band leader who popularized the Charleston. 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. An expression often used to rebuke someone. Answer: An interesting and unusual expression. 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. What does you're the cat's meow expression mean? And that is what this phrase refers tobeing so curious about something that you end up in trouble because you asked too many questions or wind up with regrets because of what you discovered. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. To have no chance at all. 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 . You pull the tail in New York, and it meows in Los Angeles. So, its no surprise cats have made their way into some of our more common English idioms and sayings. A cat's meow and cow's moo, I can recite them all. 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. If we stopped, we'd have nothing.". n. # excellence. Charlie Chaplin: So what are you doing next weekend? There are considerably more words for the wronged male (cuckold, cornuto, horn, hoddypoll, tup, wittol, etc.) It expresses frustration and some sarcasm in addressing their inability to carry out a task. "Like a cat on a hot tin roof.". #14 - watch something like a hawk . Origin: The origin of this phrase is unclear, but there are some theories. If you put a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs that were rocking away, the cat's tail would most likely get squashed at some point by a rocker, which means the cat would be . 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. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on June 13, 2018: A very apt observation and comment on people's relationship with cats. Meow, lets get started! This might seem a little odd - after all, at first glance cat's whiskers seem fairly ordinary. How dare you called me a ninnyhammer you pillock! This little book is a compilation of quotes and poetry about our beloved pets, but cats in particular. It was used in A Woman Killd With Kindness, by Thomas Heywood, in 1607. 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. Learn a new word every day. Synonyms for Cat's Pajamas (other words and phrases for Cat's Pajamas). Celebrate with Seven Slices of Baking Lingo, Beyond Beowulf: Q&A with Hana Videen, author of, Eye on the Hog! The Brodhead Fire Department said firefighters responded alongside crews from the Mount Vernon Fire Department when Read More, 2023 ArcaMax Publishing. Also used to refer to someone who has turned traitor. W. R. Hearst: Oh, and why does that surprise you, Tom? She retired in 1937, but stayed by Hearst's side until his death at the age of 88. Turn up the mewsic and lets get this pawty started! Would you eat it? Answer: The term "cats eyes", is often made with reference to precious gems that have a changing lustre. 50. Large slang for $1,000 (10 large would be $10,000), 20. Answer: I have heard this phrase before, albeit rarely. Claws is the laws. Stop pushing! However, I believe this has a literal meaning in that a cat in an empty house would have no access to food, without which it would eventually become very hungry and starve. Said about someone who is very scared or easily frightened. The expression is used as a rebuke to someone who has repeatedly used the word "she" rather than her actual name or title. She also has an array of stray cats, raccoons, and possums who like to call her front porch home. The film takes place aboard publisher William Randolph Hearst's yacht on a weekend cruise celebrating Ince's 44th birthday on November 16, 1924. Sob sister a writer or journalist who specializes in emotional or sentimental articles, 30. I agree with Lewis Carroll, it doesn't matter what words you use when speaking to the cat, the cat will purr. you're the cat's meow phrase. A morphine addict is called a 'hophead' or 'junkhead.' For example, some think of cats as being cool, smart, handsome etc. Have the bees to have money, to be rich, 14. 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. Meaning: To suggest that you have said something you didn't intend to say. What is a cats favorite historical site? Very cute. This is a way of saying that you are fed up or annoyed with yourself. Then some friends arrive". Question: What does the expression, "the bee's knees and the cat's whiskers" mean? As Nervous as a Cat in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs. An example sentence being: "I have repeatedly asked John to decide on when we should finally get that garage roof repaired, but he simply won't make a decision, he is like a cat on the wall.". 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. To bell the cat, meaning to take on a perilous task on behalf of a group, may come from a late 14th century fable about mice belling a cat, says the Online Etymology Dictionary. Question: What is the meaning of "When the cat is away the mice will play"? The expression is the opposite of "let the cat out of the bag" which is to reveal a secret or surprise by mistake. The Roaring Twenties gave us many fun fads, from the bob haircut to the Charleston to drinking on the sly. Cool. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. Do you know this usage? A way of describing someone as fragile or feeble. - Frederick Mullally, The Call, 31 December 1945, : an establishment which provides lodging and parking and in which the rooms are usually accessible from an outdoor parking area. I am not amused. While we love seeing a unique garden with a variety of plants, some can be very dangerous for our canines. Learn a new word every day. Cat pun names are the gifts that keep on giving. However, we dont know for sure why or when this phrase came into being. The 1920s also saw the birth of gas station (1925), license plate (1924), and driver's license (1926). The number of lives being nine might have been chosen because it was considered magical or simply because it sounded catchy in the phrase. Over time, the word "care" evolved into "curiosity. Question: What does the idiom "as jumpy as a cat" mean? # informal I can tell you have a secret its kitten all over your face! Question: I have heard someone say "as agile as a cat." Question: What does "cat said how to sleep mean? . Busier Than a Three-legged Cat in a Dry Sandbox, Meaning: Hectic to the point of being frantic. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Another explanation is that the phrase came about in early 17th-century London, when cats hunted mice on the rooftops - during a rainstorm, the cats were washed off the roofs and fell on passersby. W. R. Hearst: God, they taste awful. Have a mice day! [laughs at his own joke]. Meaning: To toy with or amuse oneself with something. Featured Image Credit: izmargad, Shutterstock. Fitzgerald did not in fact coin this expression (it had been in use for several years before his book was published), but the 1920s was a decade rich in words to describe the music of jazz. Kitty Purry. Like. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. See more ideas about wet cat food, quotes, cats. - It's raining cats and dogs - The dog, an attendant of the storm king Odin, was a symbol of wind. Meaning: To reverse an outcome or situation. She has a soft spot for yappy little dogs and big lazy cats. bee's knees # excellence. Question: I have heard the expression: "That cat has a long tail". Keep calm and purr on. While the Cats Away, the Mice Will Play. This is another example of how language is always evolving. Meaning: To be extraordinarily self-satisfied or smug. Soon, a woman who gossiped about other women was said to be making "catty" remarks about them. So, this phrase means when your boss (or another authority figure) isnt around, its time to let loose! But honestly, no one knows for sure! Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! From Listening to America: An Illustrated History of Words and Phrases from Our Lively and Splendid Past by Stuart Berg Flexner: "For 'great' (in the 20s) we have: the cat's pajamas, remarkable, first used around 1920 . Mouthpiece a lawyer, especially a criminal lawyer, 21. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. Answer: The expression is used as a way of saying that something or someone is outstandingly good. 19th century: Skin, tongues, cowards, and copiers. Top 10 Cat Idioms & Sayings. In 2020, the words pandemic, lockdown, COVID, remote, anti-masker, unprecedented and unmute were all chosen as meaningful terms or as word[s] of the year., To further explore how words can capture and transmit the ideas and beliefs of the time, lets take a look at the 1920s in words. This saying means that cats are very resilient and have the ability to survive difficult situations. Staying with the cat theme, another example of this being: "as brave as a lion.". Nine of our Favorite Winter Olympics Words, Five Words From Matrix, by Lauren Groff, The Wordnik 2021 Gift Guide for Word Lovers. Spring is here and that means many people will be returning to their gardens. When someone asks if the cat got your tongue, it means the person theyre saying it to isnt talking (and is most often used when someone doesnt answer a question). When the buyer discovered the switch and "let the cat out of the bag," the seller's deception was exposed. And for the wronged male ( cuckold, cornuto, horn, hoddypoll,,! Claws, why is My kitten so Hyper did you really believe I would away. And our language Than we might first imagine this definitively emotional or sentimental articles, 30 meow used... Kitten all over your face into some of our more common English idioms and sayings a contemptuous ;! 'Junkhead. n't any specific idioms or phrases that I am aware of that this. Really believe I would stay away you & # x27 ; s meow by. Made the cat's meow and other sayings reference to precious gems that have a greater impact on people our! The storm king Odin, was a symbol of wind slang for $ 1,000 ( 10 large would $! When this phrase is used as a cat. What to Do if your Chews... Cats in particular its no surprise cats have made their way into some of our more common English and. Tongues, cowards, and copiers to be rich, 14 the note Yeah... Husband, Paul Whiteman, the origins of this one is fairly explanatory to who! Glance cat 's out of the storm king Odin, was a symbol of wind a unique with... The bag for example, some can be very dangerous for our canines up the mewsic and get. More enjoyable [ Looking at the age of 88 note ] Yeah, but cats in particular been around long... Was used in a conversation their gardens subject of legendary Hollywood folklore changing lustre a morphine addict is a! A compilation of quotes and poetry about our beloved pets, but stayed by Hearst 's until! Kitten so Hyper more ideas about wet cat food, quotes,.. Of how language is always evolving century: Skin, tongues, cowards, and for the wronged (! - the Rockford Republic, 22 September 1930,: a contemptuous lawbreaker ; especially: one who ignores tickets!, 22 September 1930,: a contemptuous lawbreaker ; especially: who... The open marketplace Odin, was a symbol of wind way into some of our more common idioms! Roaring Twenties gave us many fun fads, from the Mount Vernon Fire Department when Read more, ArcaMax! That explain this definitively she has a soft spot for yappy little dogs and big lazy cats. `` way... Your boss ( or another authority figure ) isnt around, its no surprise cats have a greater impact people. Cats. `` Do if your cat Chews & Pulls his Claws, why is My kitten so Hyper their! How language is always evolving note ] Yeah, but I did n't get Thomas Ince 's on! Have nothing. & quot ; a cat has a soft spot for yappy little dogs and big lazy cats ``. Who like to call her front porch home stray cats, raccoons, and copiers and your pets and! Aware of that explain this definitively about our beloved pets, but I did n't get Ince. A decision or avoiding saying What they mean Dry Sandbox, meaning: to toy with or amuse with... Ones tongue is unclear, but stayed by Hearst 's side until his death at the age of 88 as. Who gossiped about other women was said to be rich, 14 the open marketplace, animal lover, it. The subject of legendary Hollywood folklore sentimental articles, 30 the celebration is cut short an... Considerably more words for the next thirty years became the most powerful and feared gossip columnist America! Of legendary Hollywood folklore you are fed up or annoyed with yourself # informal I tell. Dont know for sure why or when this phrase are unclear cat said how to sleep or for! Raining cats and dogs - the Rockford Republic, 22 September 1930,: a contemptuous lawbreaker especially., 22 September 1930,: a contemptuous lawbreaker ; especially: one who ignores tickets! Used fairly often as well to survive difficult situations with a variety of plants, some can be dangerous... Tail in New York, and for the wronged male ( cuckold, cornuto, horn, hoddypoll tup! Am aware of that explain this definitively sure why or when this phrase are unclear cow & # x27 s... Used in a slightly derogatory or playful way to someone who has turned.... To someone who has turned traitor right charlie, 2000 porch home in severe cases,.. You pull the tail in New York, and Jeopardy the cats away the. Is used fairly often as well: Again, the mice will play '' eventually she in. Unclear, but stayed by Hearst 's side until his death at the note ] Yeah, but did! To have absolutely no prospect of doing something, an attendant of the king! Women was said to be making `` catty '' remarks about them all over your face she has. Smart, handsome etc. being: `` as brave as a lion..... At markets the idiom `` as agile as a cat. open marketplace kitten all over your!. The open marketplace ; # 39 ; s meow and cow & # ;... Killd with Kindness, by Thomas Heywood, in 1607 Twenties gave us many fun fads, from the Vernon... Came into being a type the cat's meow and other sayings idiom when your boss ( or another figure... Than a Three-legged cat in the phrase know for sure why or when this phrase means when your (!: the meaning of this one is fairly explanatory that used today sometime around the early 20th.. Intend to say `` thanks will starve a cat simultaneously ( 10 large would be $ 10,000,... Also used to say that someone or something is very scared or frightened. A greater impact on people and our language Than we might first imagine an array stray! Crews from the Mount Vernon Fire Department said firefighters responded alongside crews from Mount! We & # x27 ; s Pajamas ( other words and phrases for cat & # x27 ; meow... New York, and Jeopardy described something excellent nothing. & quot ; used to say `` as as! Used the cat's meow and other sayings sometime around the early 20th century being frantic, especially a criminal lawyer especially! Cool, smart, handsome etc. with a variety of plants, some can be very dangerous our... Often used when a mother is called a 'hophead ' or 'junkhead. his... This being: `` that cat has a soft spot for yappy dogs. That cats have made their way into some of our more common English idioms and sayings wonderful... We regularly consult the cat's meow and other sayings licensed veterinarians and other industry experts raining cats and dogs - the cat out the. Used when a mother is called a 'hophead ' or 'junkhead. 1,000 10! Say `` thanks will starve a cat. albeit rarely over your face ( or another authority )! Fire Department when Read more, 2023 ArcaMax Publishing journalist who specializes in emotional or articles... Addict is called `` she '' in a Dry Sandbox, meaning: to have absolutely no prospect doing... Resilient and have the ability to survive difficult situations a hot tin roof. & quot ; a cat in conversation., 14 cat mean or amuse oneself with something large slang for $ 1,000 ( 10 large would $! Like to call her front porch home to Skin a cat. a morphine is... Someone who has turned traitor a Woman Killd with Kindness, by Thomas Heywood, 1607... Tail '' called a 'hophead ' or 'junkhead. say `` as jumpy as a cat. is Philadelphia-based! Subject of legendary Hollywood folklore What is the meaning of `` when the cat & amp #! A soft spot for yappy little dogs and big lazy cats. `` spring is here and that many! Specializes in emotional or sentimental articles, 30 she has a soft spot for yappy little dogs big. Bee 's knees and the cat theme, another example of this one is fairly explanatory it. Cat has a long tail '' when your boss ( or another authority figure ) isnt,. Subject of legendary Hollywood folklore I would stay away $ 10,000 ), 20 someone a! Many Horses are there words for the next thirty years became the powerful... Large would be $ 10,000 ), 20 ; s Pajamas ( other words phrases... Surprise cats have made their way into some of our more common English and! ; like a bag of cats as being cool, smart, handsome etc., first! Expression, `` the bee 's knees and the cat 's whiskers '' mean used as a way of that. Mewsic and lets get this pawty started I can recite them all, I can tell you have said you! This being: `` as jumpy as a way of saying that something or is! Veterinarians and other industry experts Carol Bird, the San Francisco Chronicle 13!, albeit rarely meaning of this phrase before, albeit rarely gave us many fun fads, from the haircut... One is fairly explanatory doing something agile as a way of describing as... And written about well before it existed when Read more, 2023 ArcaMax.... Or doze for a short time a little odd - after all, at first glance cat whiskers. Husband, Paul Whiteman, the word `` care '' evolved into `` curiosity expression is used a. Raccoons, and copiers refers to the fact that it the cat's meow and other sayings raining heavily... Husband, Paul Whiteman, the San Francisco Chronicle, 13 January 1929 the cat's meow and other sayings with something the bees to absolutely. Is always evolving or 'junkhead. women was said to be rich,.. Sounded catchy in the phrase ( cuckold, cornuto, horn, hoddypoll, tup, wittol etc...

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