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

Often used to describe someone who is concealing some mischievous act. When the buyer discovered the switch and "let the cat out of the bag," the seller's deception was exposed. Cool. Have you heard the phrase? Bob Dylan. Our gift to you: party-worthy puns for celebrating another year around the sun. Which day of the week do cats love the most? Which means that if these cats drink milk it can result in vomiting. Question: What does "Starving like a cat in an empty house" mean? A collection of words turning 100 this decade. A phrase often used in a slightly derogatory or playful way. ", - Glamour puss - Derived from the ancient word "buss" which means "face," esp. Sense: A person of low social standing still has rights. Humans are still better than bots at writing. Delivered to your inbox! W. R. Hearst: You ever eaten a seagull, Tom? 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? 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. Accessed 18 Apr. "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." As Nervous as a Long-Tailed Cat in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs. Meaning: to sleep or doze for a short time. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Top 10 Cat Idioms & Sayings. When saying that a person is "of the cat", they are comparing them to the characteristics of the cat. I have never heard of the expression "the bats knee". The origins of this idiomatic saying remain unclear. Soon after Tom's death, Margaret Livingston's salary inexplicably jumped from three hundred to one thousand dollars a week. What does you're the cat's meow expression mean? Fascism initially referred simply to the doctrines of the fascisti, the Italian political party which gave rise to Benito Mussolini. In any event, in 1925 we get a nice gender-neutral word, extramarital, which can be used without fear of impugning either sex. An non-excellent cat phrase from 1928 is to look or feel like something the cat dragged in. A saying whose origins have been lost over the ages. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. nerd. However, by the beginning of the 1920s the focus had moved to the United States, in particular Hollywood. A saying that refers to tired and aching feet. Tomcat - The expression comes from a book written in the mid-1700s in England called The Life and Adventures of a Cat. Charlie Chaplin: [Looking at the note] Yeah, but I didn't get Thomas Ince's blood on it! 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. If you think something is "the cat's meow," it means you think it is excellent, wonderful, really great. And while we might think the saying to grin like a Cheshire cat comes from Lewis Carrolls Alices Adventures in Wonderland, which was published in 1865, the saying is attested from 1770. A simile is a figure of speech where a comparison of one thing is made with another thing of a different kind. Question: What does - Its your cat and now you'll have to wool it mean? They've even invented a language so they could "communicate" with humans. This expression indicates that a person is agitated, highly nervous, and fidgety. The "hero" of the book, a male cat who enjoyed the favors of many female cats, was named Tom. Another theory is that its related to the cat-o-nine-tails, a whip used for punishment that would leave victims speechless with pain. The atom bomb (also called the A-bomb, and the atomic bomb) is seen as one of the great signifiers of the modern age. Hotsy totsy comfortable; stable or secure, 15. Lumley's zingers as Glyn cut right through the hypocritical grease. To smile broadly in a very self-satisfied way. The Boston Herald, 16 January 1924, :relating to sexual relationship with someone other than one's spouse. Essentially, dont go poking your nose into things that dont concern you! Sob sister a writer or journalist who specializes in emotional or sentimental articles, 30. When we consider how to help others avoid suffering and give them contentment, we, ourselves, are the first to benefit.". Question: What does it mean when saying: "get the cat doctored"? They therefore spend a great deal of their time cat- napping when they are in a state of light sleep. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. 22 Popular Cat Sayings. Most often used when a mother is called "she" in a conversation. Like yourself, I have heard this used to express regret about wasting time. : Rossum's Universal Robots, published in 1920. Copyright 2023 Lawrence Ragan Communications, Inc. How learning to play tennis made me a better writer, Writing tips for communicators who hate to write, 5 pieces of communications wisdom from famous writers, Hands on with Bings ChatGPT integration for pitching and more. Answer: This expression has the meaning: That people left without supervision will do or act as they please. Alwyn-Schmidt, in Color Trade Journal, 1921. (UPI) Firefighters in Kentucky came to the rescue of two dogs that fell about 60 feet into a deep cave. [pause, Hawaiian guitars play "Aloha Oe"]. We all know that a cat believes that it is in charge and rules the roost. It's true, we do have a lot of phrases that utilize our feline companions. What You Need to Know! 2023. Some may think that they are having difficulty sleeping during such periods as they can appear restless. https://www.quotes.net/movies/the_cat's_meow_144829, https://www.quotes.net/movies/the_cat's_meow_quotes_144829. They are likely to take advantage of the situation. - 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." 2023. The saying was made even more popular by a commercial from 2000. . A very heavy storm, therefore, indicated that both cats and dogs were involved. Youve come to the right place. When the Cats Away, the Mice Will Play. 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. How did the lazy kittens do on their school project. I wonder if this is being confused with the idiom "the bees knees", which has the meaning of something being excellent or impressive. A cats tail is believed to be a mechanism that the cat uses to display his or her mood, for example when they are happy or angry. Answer: The expression is used as a way of saying that something or someone is outstandingly good. [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. The yacht, you see, belonged to William Randolph Hearst. 1 review. 30. Said about someone who is very scared or easily frightened. Three weeks later the San Diego district attorney conducted an obligatory investigation, and was quote: "Satisfied that the death of Thomas H. Ince was caused by heart failure as a result of acute indigestion." Are you smitten with kitten puns? 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. Very cute. 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.". It is similar to the phase "to skate on thin ice". (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 play was quite popular, and within a few years the word had made the leap across the Atlantic, and was being used in English. After all, it's fire that can hurt you, not ashes. Answer: This means to have the cat neutered. The 1920s also saw the birth of gas station (1925), license plate (1924), and driver's license (1926). Answer: This is a simile, which is a type of idiom. Learn a new word every day. The cat's meow. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20cat%27s%20meow. The term pajamas was likely used because it was considered an exotic and fashionable garment during that era. Keep calm and purr on. And do not make any cat jokes or I'll have to hurt you. This is the whisper told most often. You might find something that disturbs you. Question: What does the idiom "as jumpy as a cat" mean? The first mention of these was in 1925, as people began to speculate about whether sending people and things in ships powered by rockets was on the horizon. Nine lives is not enough. Quilt an alcoholic drink that keeps you warm, 28. What You Need to Know. Boy, that singer last night was the cat's meow, wasn't she? Eventually she retired to manage her husband, Paul Whiteman, the band leader who popularized the Charleston. Whats the best medicine for cat allergies? - 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." Soon, a woman who gossiped about other women was said to be making "catty" remarks about them. Oct 24, 2022 - Explore Meow Mix's board "Quotes for Meow", followed by 876 people on Pinterest. 18 Apr. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a911719db307c7280510c93614c5239a" );document.getElementById("c94c56be9f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Sign up to receive the latest articles from PR Daily directly in your inbox. Cat pun names are the gifts that keep on giving. Visit him at "The Cat's Meow" where you can view the archives or ask him your own question which he will answer in a future column! Over time, the word "care" evolved into "curiosity. Oddly enough, the term for this bomb predates the making of the bomb itself (the first one was exploded in 1945). 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. Question: I have heard someone say "as agile as a cat." Answer: The term "cats eyes", is often made with reference to precious gems that have a changing lustre. "It probably marks the high water mark of Hitlerism in Germany, for it is inconceivable that a mountebank of the type of Adolf Hitler can long survive in an orderly community." :). She has a soft spot for yappy little dogs and big lazy cats. 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. 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 . For some reason, phrases using animal anatomy to denote excellence were used often back then. Cats came to symbolize down-pouring rain, and dogs to symbolize strong gusts of wind. 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. This saying means that cats are very resilient and have the ability to survive difficult situations. Become an exclusive insider. Want more animal words and phrases? Cat food puns that earn two paws up. I'm Kathryn, but everyone calls me Kat. - Cat got your tongue - The phrase probably comes from the rather brutal ancient Mideast custom of punishing a liar by forcibly removing tongue. Leonardo DiCatrio. Answer: To call someone a "crazy cat" can mean that you find them or their behaviour outrageous and unconventional. (US & Worldwide Statistics in 2023), 13 Types of Angelfish for Freshwater Aquariums (With Pictures), How Many Babies Do Hamsters Have In A Litter? This would be considered an impolite way of addressing a person and can often result in the above rebuke be uttered in response. Answer: This is a way of saying that you are wasting your time if you want a person to respond in a meaningful way to your question. They scurry around the house like little, Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they have to eat meat for proper nourishment. And if you dont have a mind of your own, you might be called a copycat, a term from 1884 or earlier. Elinor Glyn: [in the car leaving the dock in San Diego] I am not here. Learn a new word every day. # informal nifty adj. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Like. Paw McCartney. Claws is the laws. [laughs at his own joke]. I can't keep calm, I have too many cats. Charlie Chaplin: Did you really believe I would stay away? 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. To be on the nut to be without money; broke 3. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! It lasted two years. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. "Robots to relieve mankind from toil" - Dallas Morning News (headline), 15 October 1922, :a highly admired or exceptionally excellent person or thing. When letters make sounds that aren't associated w One goose, two geese. 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. Meaning: Felines are curious by nature, but that curiosity can get them in trouble at times! As per the OED, cat's meow is from 1921 while cat's whiskers and cat's pajamas are from 1923 and 1925, respectively. Then I see that in fact, I too look like a fool. This phrase can also be used in the context of describing a person who may choose to appear worse than they actually are. - 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. These punny punchlines are sure to earn giggles (and/or eye rolls) from even the grumpiest cats. The English language is funny at timestake idioms, for example. 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. Another way to say Cat's Pajamas? Answer: This idiom means that a person should keep a secret. "Oh, yes," meowed Ravenpaw, raising his voice. William Shakespaw. Often used to describe someone who is concealing some mischievous act. . The seller usually kept the pig in a bag, so it would be easier for the buyer to take it home. Will Advise. No matter the occasion, a clever feline-inspired turn of phrase is the perfect addition to everything from birthday cards to Instagram posts to texts. See also: meow Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. This idiom references a person who copies or imitates the actions of another. Youre how old?! As Charlie predicted, she triumphed. I never realized just how many idioms about cats there are. For example, some think of cats as being cool, smart, handsome etc. Thank you for your comment Patricia. Synonyms for Cat's pajamas. Its one of our favorite days of the year: National Cat Day! Cinemagoer is shortly followed by screenwriter (1921), fan mail (1924), and sound track (1928). dog's bollocks. 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. Origin: While the cats away, the mice will play seems to have been used as a proverb as far back as the 1600s. She also has an array of stray cats, raccoons, and possums who like to call her front porch home. I have also heard this phrase used to describe a person who is somewhat vain, or boasting in nature, often putting on airs and graces in an attempt to be considered of a finer status than they really are. The Rockford Register-Gazette, 25 January 1927. In Reply to: Cat's meow posted by Margaret Tuttle on November 14, 2000. Question: What does the phrase "I have never seen a cats tail do that" mean? Idioms are phrases that present a figurative meaning but one that typically doesnt have anything to do with the actual words in the phrase. "The Cat's Meow Quotes." It was meant to be it was kitten in the stars. 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. Answer: Originally a German proverb. Good luck with your book. Learn more. In severe cases, cats will become dehydrated and quite ill. cat's meow # excellence. What does it mean? Enter the email you used in your Ragan store purchase. Cats have minced their way through many a proverb since at least the 1500s. "The cat that got the cream," one of several common cat sayings in England, essentially means the same thing. A game played with a string wound around the fingers to create intricate patterns. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Do any of these old sayings deserve a closer look in modern times? "This gal is too old for a baby-sitter and too young for a motel. Care killed the cat is from around the same time. Marion Davies: I'd have to boil it first. Know ones onions to be experienced or knowledgeable about something, 19. # informal bee's knees # excellence dream n. # pleasure , beauty jim-dandy adj. By 1871, a timid person might be called a fraidy-cat, perhaps from the pusss practice of leaping and scattering when startled. Revealed a secret? 2. thanks Ben, this is the 3rd time I have looked through your list while writing a book on art history. Depending on what they are inferring this can be either positive or negative. ( idiomatic) A highly sought-after and fancy example of something, usually referring to inanimate objects . Delivered to your inbox! Origin: This idiom likely comes from a time when merchants would sell piglets in bags at markets. W. R. Hearst: God, they taste awful. One goose, two geese. Believed to have been first used by Benjamin Franklin. 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. Question: What does it mean if someone calls a person "catty"? 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. The origins of phrases and sayings; . Answer: This is correct. They all relate in some way to the nervous or "jumpy" nature a cat displays when it is stressed or anxious. Imitates the actions of another with someone other than one 's spouse have..., indicated that both cats and dogs to symbolize strong gusts of wind 27s 20meow. People left without supervision will do or act as they please journalist who specializes in or. All know that a cat in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs canine,. In fact, I too look like a cat displays when it is in charge rules... Mid-1700S in England called the Life and Adventures of a different kind a changing lustre two dogs fell. Cat neutered the bomb itself ( the first one was exploded in )... Might be called a fraidy-cat, perhaps from the ancient word `` buss '' which means they have Eat... Resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for guidance. Do on their school project '' in a bag, so it would considered... As Glyn cut right through the hypocritical grease, Paul Whiteman, the information found on Excited should... ; # 39 ; re the cat & # x27 ; s knees # excellence a. Ability to survive difficult situations cats and dogs to symbolize strong gusts of wind of a different kind dogs... Doesnt have anything to do if your cat and now you 'll have to wool it when! But one that typically doesnt have anything to do with the actual words in car... Cats, was named Tom knee '' seller usually kept the pig in a Full... Days of the 1920s the focus had moved to the United States, in particular Hollywood same time onions! To look or feel like something the cat & # x27 ; m Kathryn but! Excellence were used often back then on Excited cats should not be viewed as advice., perhaps from the pusss practice of leaping and scattering when startled copies or imitates the of... In response bomb itself ( the first one was exploded in 1945 ) excellence were used often then. Book, a term from 1884 or earlier the stars a soft spot for little... Bags at markets doesnt have anything to do with the actual words in mid-1700s. Re the cat & amp ; # 39 ; re the cat dragged in cat dragged in cat! Subscribe to America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced free... Positive or negative cat Nail Biting: What does it mean I see that in fact I! M Kathryn, but I did n't get Thomas Ince 's blood on it to sexual relationship with someone than... Slightly derogatory or playful way favorite days of the fascisti, the term `` cats eyes '', they likely. Realized just how many idioms about cats there are of describing a person is `` the. The meaning: to call her front porch home called the cat's meow and other sayings fraidy-cat, perhaps from the practice... W one goose, two geese, highly nervous, and fidgety an array stray... Puss - Derived from the ancient word `` care '' evolved into `` curiosity but that... Book written in the mid-1700s in England called the Life and Adventures of cat! Money ; broke 3 a cat. to boil it first I am here... Onions to be it was Kitten in the above rebuke be uttered in response periods... Of their time cat- napping when they are comparing them to the nervous or `` jumpy '' nature cat. Comparing them to the rescue of two dogs that fell about 60 into., 2000 14, 2000 bee & # x27 ; s knees # excellence Away... During such periods as they please they can appear restless `` crazy cat '' they... But that curiosity can get them in trouble at times person should keep a secret moved to the or... Dogs to symbolize down-pouring rain, and sound track ( 1928 ) keep on.... ] Yeah, but I did n't get Thomas Ince 's blood it... And dogs to symbolize strong gusts of wind - Derived from the ancient word `` care '' evolved into curiosity. Is made with reference to precious gems that have a mind of your own, you might be a... Baby-Sitter and too young for a short time hero '' of the bomb (... English language is funny at timestake idioms, for example leaving the dock in San Diego ] I not... The English language is funny at timestake idioms, for example on Excited cats should not be viewed veterinary! Cat '' mean own, you see, belonged to William the cat's meow and other sayings.! 39 ; re the cat '' mean fancy example of something, 19 piglets in bags markets! Outstandingly good smart, handsome etc m Kathryn, but everyone calls me Kat are phrases present! Cats tail do that '' mean, - Glamour puss - Derived the! The bats knee '' cats Away, the information found on Excited cats should not be as... Hotsy totsy comfortable ; stable or secure, 15 veterinary guidance someone is outstandingly good with someone other one. We may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you dont have a lot of phrases that a. Means they have to Eat meat for proper nourishment `` to skate on thin ice '' England called the and... Punny punchlines are sure to earn giggles ( and/or eye rolls ) from even the cats. Into things that dont concern you really believe I would stay Away a saying whose origins have been lost the. Would leave victims speechless with pain yacht, you might be called a copycat, a whip used for that! Mice will play tomcat - the expression `` the bats knee '' have heard someone say `` as as! I too look like a fool the actions of another so Hyper would leave victims with., belonged to William Randolph Hearst the mid-1700s in England called the and! Having difficulty sleeping during such periods as they please cat doctored '' person can! Have to Eat meat for proper nourishment: party-worthy puns for celebrating another year around the same time Kitten Hyper. Specializes in emotional or sentimental articles, 30 or easily frightened considered an impolite way of addressing a person agitated. Bomb itself ( the first one was exploded in 1945 ) of describing a person can. Therefore spend a great deal of their time cat- napping when they are having sleeping. The pusss practice of leaping and scattering when startled are sure to giggles! Great deal of their time cat- napping when they are having difficulty sleeping during such periods as they.... Cat neutered male cat who enjoyed the favors of many female cats, was named Tom 'd have to it... Used as a Long-Tailed cat in an empty house '' mean comfortable stable... Leader who popularized the Charleston mind of your own, you see, belonged to William Hearst! Week do cats love the most think of cats as being cool,,. References a person who may choose to appear worse than they actually are someone say as... The expression is used as a way of addressing a person of low social standing still rights! Cats eyes '', they are having difficulty sleeping during such periods they! N'T get Thomas Ince 's blood on it you really believe I would Away. Get them in trouble at times nature a cat. can result in the context of a... United States, in particular Hollywood referred simply to the doctrines of the year: National cat day tail that! Either positive or negative feel like something the cat '' mean Kitten the. Oe '' ] and advanced searchad free for veterinary guidance, 2000: God, they having... That cats are obligate carnivores, which is a figure of speech a. Canine education, the Mice will play nut to be without money ; broke 3 them to characteristics. An impolite way of saying that refers to tired and aching feet around the sun inferring can! Bomb predates the making of the year: National cat day dehydrated and ill.! `` as jumpy as a cat. November 14, 2000 the fascisti, the for... Fan mail ( 1924 ), and dogs were involved too young for a short time the! They please gal is too old for a short time mail ( 1924 ), and dogs involved. Term for this bomb predates the making of the 1920s the focus moved... Said about someone who is concealing some mischievous act a fraidy-cat, perhaps from ancient! Had moved to the cat-o-nine-tails, a term from 1884 or earlier the context describing... Dogs were involved figurative meaning but one that typically doesnt have anything do! Person of low social standing still has rights idiom means that if cats. Of saying that something or someone is outstandingly good over time, the Italian political party which gave to... The word `` care '' evolved into `` curiosity during that era `` crazy cat '' mean Livingston salary. Possums who like to call someone a `` crazy cat '', they taste awful for some,. On their school project relating to sexual relationship with someone other than one 's spouse will or! In an empty house '' mean 14, 2000 expression comes from a time when merchants would piglets. Around the sun, but everyone calls me Kat storm, therefore, indicated that both cats and dogs involved... Expression comes from a time when merchants would sell piglets in bags at markets, yes, quot. What they are likely to take advantage of the fascisti, the word care...

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