[pause] I've had a recurring dream recently. Words Sung in Songs, Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 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? Keep No More Cats Than Will Catch Mice. Among those in attendance are Hearst's longtime companion and film actress Marion Davies, fellow actor Charlie Chaplin, writer Elinor Glyn, columnist Louella Parsons, and actress Margaret Livingston. This idiom references a person who copies or imitates the actions of another. 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! We know this because it came about as the result of a contest sponsored by a man named Delcevare King, who wanted to create a word that would be used to describe a person who did not observe the rules of Prohibition. As per the OED, cat's meow is from 1921 while cat's whiskers and cat's pajamas are from 1923 and 1925, respectively. - Cat got your tongue - The phrase probably comes from the rather brutal ancient Mideast custom of punishing a liar by forcibly removing tongue. Youve come to the right place! When your feline friend has a punny name, you get to giggle every day. 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. 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. This should not be taken as evidence of any lack of moral turpitude on the part of the female of the species. Get all the latest articles, funny photos, and amazing pet-related offers weekly right in your inbox. The number of lives being nine might have been chosen because it was considered magical or simply because it sounded catchy in the phrase. Eventually she retired to manage her husband, Paul Whiteman, the band leader who popularized the Charleston. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on June 13, 2018: A very apt observation and comment on people's relationship with cats. By understanding the origins and meanings of these idioms, we can appreciate the rich history and significance of our feline companions in human language. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. I agree with Lewis Carroll, it doesn't matter what words you use when speaking to the cat, the cat will purr. "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." Question: I have heard someone say "as agile as a cat." How to use the cat's meow in a sentence. Depending on what they are inferring this can be either positive or negative. To be on the nut to be without money; broke 3. You're the cat's meow! They therefore spend a great deal of their time cat- napping when they are in a state of light sleep. Leonardo DiCatrio. Answer: This has the meaning that a person is being spiteful, or deliberately hurtful in their words or actions. 18 Apr. Meaning: The meaning of this one is fairly explanatory. used to say that someone or something is very appealing, Post the Definition of the cat's meow to Facebook, Share the Definition of the cat's meow on Twitter. Question: What is the meaning of the saying: of cats? cat's meow # excellence. Question: What does "cat said how to sleep mean? Answer: The expression is used as a way of saying that something or someone is outstandingly good. Charlie Chaplin: [Looking at the note] Yeah, but I didn't get Thomas Ince's blood on it! [pause, Hawaiian guitars play "Aloha Oe"]. Large slang for $1,000 (10 large would be $10,000), 20. A cat may look at a king is an early one. I love this quote (in the image below) from Lewis Carroll. One moose, two moose. "The cat that got the cream," one of several common cat sayings in England, essentially means the same thing. 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. Question: What does the idiom: "to catch a cat in the dark" mean? Dishonest sellers might replace the piglet with a cat, which was less valuable. Cats came to symbolize down-pouring rain, and dogs to symbolize strong gusts of wind. And do not make any cat jokes or I'll have to hurt you. Check out our posts on regional slang terms for dogs, linguistic (and literal) animal blends, and how to speak rabbit. (Disclaimer: Were laughing with you, not at you, kitties.) "we are cat-sitting for a week. 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. Alwyn-Schmidt, in Color Trade Journal, 1921. Hotsy totsy comfortable; stable or secure, 15. "As for Mr. Kirby, his appeal mystifies me, but I once knew a maiden aunt who thought he was the cat's meow." more on this quote . Answer: It is common, as any cat owner will confirm, for cats to be sick or produce hairballs. Answer: This expression is is used to say that something or someone is better or smarter than they first appear or look. Answer: An interesting expression. 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.. For some reason, phrases using animal anatomy to denote excellence were used often back then. Sense: A way of saying that you should be efficient. Often used to describe a person attempting to manage a large team of individuals who are uncooperative. Youve come to the right place. 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved. Meaning: You, or another person, are very pleased with yourself and what you have accomplished. the lips. Meaning: In the dark, physical attributes are unimportant. Also in this decade are the first recorded uses of junkie (1923) as well as reefer (1927) and its synonym, Mary Jane (1928). 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. It is a way to say that a thank you is all well and good, but it will not by itself provide what you want or need. Monica Weymouth is a Philadelphia-based writer, editor, animal lover, and Jeopardy! Subscribe to any feature and receive your newsletter directly in your inbox. Related phrases include the cats pajamas, bees knees, and canarys tusks. What does it mean? 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." A few minutes later, she observed that it was 'raining cats and dogs' outside. A way of saying that you should wait until you see how things develop or progress before committing yourself to a course of action. 2023. Origin: The origin of this phrase is unclear, but there are some theories. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love, How Many Horses Are There? What You Need to Know! How dare you called me a ninnyhammer you pillock! Question: I have heard someone comparing a situation to something like a cat being sick on the carpet, what does this mean? In the home, these incidents often occur on the carpet. The Roaring Twenties gave us many fun fads, from the bob haircut to the Charleston to drinking on the sly. Then some friends arrive". Meaning: If you are too polite or careful, you might not achieve what you want. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on March 30, 2018: Thanks Jerry, I hope my list helps sum some small way. It is suggesting that they are being cat like in their behaviour. It possibly originated from stories of witches whose cats would steal the tongue of their victims to prevent them from telling others. They've even invented a language so they could "communicate" with humans. We all know that a cat believes that it is in charge and rules the roost. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? "Meow" means "woof" in cat." George Carlin 2. Answer: This expression has the meaning: That people left without supervision will do or act as they please. When the buyer discovered the switch and "let the cat out of the bag," the seller's deception was exposed. Womens Meow Shirts Funny Cat Lover Tee Neck Loose Cotton Graphic T shirt Top Fashion design,100% Brand New,high quality! It took three more years for W.R. let Marion do a full-fledged comedy. However, by the beginning of the 1920s the focus had moved to the United States, in particular Hollywood. Can we call a funny friend a crazy cat? Part of the joy of idioms are the fact that they can both serious and fun in their message to us all. 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). Fascism initially referred simply to the doctrines of the fascisti, the Italian political party which gave rise to Benito Mussolini. Question: I have heard the expression: "That cat has a long tail". What does you're the cat's meow expression mean? Suggest that she get a room at the 'Y. After all, it's fire that can hurt you, not ashes. While we love seeing a unique garden with a variety of plants, some can be very dangerous for our canines. Our content and products are for informational purposes only. Who doesnt love good (or even not so good) cat puns? So, this phrase means when your boss (or another authority figure) isnt around, its time to let loose! Some have theorized. Would you eat it? Oct 24, 2022 - Explore Meow Mix's board "Quotes for Meow", followed by 876 people on Pinterest. Claws is the laws. This can be very messy and will require cleaning. The 1920s also saw the birth of gas station (1925), license plate (1924), and driver's license (1926). Featured Image Credit: islam zarat, Shutterstock, How Do Cats Show Affection? By 1871, a timid person might be called a fraidy-cat, perhaps from the pusss practice of leaping and scattering when startled. Elinor Glyn: [voiceover] To this day no two accounts of that weekend cruise are the same, including who, in fact, who was on the boat. Three days after Tom's funeral Charlie married Lita Grey in Mexico. Answer: This is not a phrase that I am familiar with. (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.). Posted by Reed Peterson on December 22, 2009 at 10:18. "If a cat spoke, it would say things like 'Hey, I don't see the problem here." Roy Blount Jr. 3. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Jalopy an old, run-down automobile; a clunker, 18. One addicted to cocaine is called a 'cokehead,' 'coke,' 'snowbird,' 'sniffer.' 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. Answer: I have heard this expression being used to describe a situation where a crying cat is believed to be an omen of something evil or unnatural. A derogatory term describes a person who has acted dishonorably to achieve wealth. Learn more about Hill's commitment to sustainability 5. There was plenty of misinformation in the days following his death, much of it coming from the Hearst press machine. Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. 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. Cat's out of the bag! Cat got your tongue? Meow, without further ado . Good luck with your book. Are some of these kitty puns ap-paw-lingly cheesy? 11. (UPI) Firefighters in Kentucky came to the rescue of two dogs that fell about 60 feet into a deep cave. More than several/a few/a couple of you have asked. In the early 20th century France was the center of the motion picture industry. Elinor Glyn: Only in a place like this do reporters and autograph hounds have absolutely no scruples about stampeding mourners at a funeral. Out of the wealth of idioms in the English language, youll find many that involve cats. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on November 26, 2017: Thank you. The film takes place aboard publisher William Randolph Hearst's yacht on a weekend cruise celebrating Ince's 44th birthday on November 16, 1924. Cinemagoer is shortly followed by screenwriter (1921), fan mail (1924), and sound track (1928). "Whip the cat" has a different meaning in some countries, for example, in Australia, it is also used to complain or moan about something. Staying with the cat theme, another example of this being: "as brave as a lion.". Very cute. Question: What do cat's eyes symbolize when the term is used with reference to a woman? Another way to say Cat's Pajamas? It is similar to the phase "to skate on thin ice". You might find something that disturbs you. Quilt an alcoholic drink that keeps you warm, 28. While the Cats Away, the Mice Will Play. Answer: The expression: "the cats meow" is an idiom. He did not examine the body because Ince had been cremated immediately, and except for Dr. Goodman, no member of the boating party was ever questioned, including Hearst. 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). Answer: To refer to someone or a situation as being like a cat on the wall, is to suggest that a person is refusing to take sides. But shady sellers often tried to trick their buyers by putting a large cat in the bag. Then youve let the cat out of the bag. . Nine lives is not enough. We use idioms every day, often without even realizing it. 9. Posted by ESC on December 22, 2009 at 13:47. Question: What does "Starving like a cat in an empty house" mean? 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. Believed to have been first used by Benjamin Franklin. 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. W. R. Hearst: You can be whoever you like. 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. Below, youll find some truly hissterical pawsibilities. Meaning: The meaning of this saying is fairly self-explanatoryif youre a cat parent, you know that felines can be skittish (and jump ten feet in the air), so this phrase is used to describe a person who is scared or timid. Meaning: To be very upset or worried about something. The bee's knees (1921) and the cat's meow (1926) both first saw use in this decade, as did the cat's pajamas (1922). Purrhaps. Believed to refer to the idea that cats are worried about having their tails trapped under a rocking chair. Question: What does the idiom "as jumpy as a cat" mean? 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. Delivered to your inbox! Pajamas, especially silk pajamas, became quite popular the 1920's, the era of jazz music and flapper dresses. You tell me. It's tempting to think of the 1960s as the decade in which drug culture took off and began to destroy the minds and souls of our youth, but drugs and the abuse of them were common well before then. Presumably referencing the fact that the ice is so thin that it would not even support the weight of a cat. 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. I can't keep calm, I have too many cats. When the Cats Away, the Mice Will Play. I believe the expression you have heard is a way of saying that something is unpleasant and messy. It's 1920s slang similar to the following. The English language is funny at timestake idioms, for example. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. If you think something is "the cat's meow," it means you think it is excellent, wonderful, really great. (a turkey without its feathers). 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. You should not be curious; you may find something you don't want to know. 1 review. It has the meaning of being very calm. Also, when talking about someone who is very calm or slow to anger. The Rockford Register-Gazette, 25 January 1927. Definition: Refers to a burglar who uses stealth and agility to break into buildings. To be on the nut to be without money; broke, 3. 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. William Shakespaw. They all relate in some way to the nervous or "jumpy" nature a cat displays when it is stressed or anxious. Cats have minced their way through many a proverb since at least the 1500s. Question: What does the phrase "the cat is crying" mean? Laura Hale Brockway is a writer and editor from Austin, Texas. I suspect that your expression is a variation on this theme. . This is to prevent the cat from having kittens. We love all cat puns, but these are especially cat-tastic. 2. He did however re-cast her role in "The Gold Rush" and re-shoot all of her scenes. The phrase to rain cats and dogs goes all the way back to at least 1661, says the OED. Maybe it is more to do with the tone of the voice used. 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. cat's whiskers # excellence. Turn up the mewsic and lets get this pawty started! With the right catitude, anything is pawsible. A phrase used to describe a fashionable person. This idiom refers to the fact that it is raining very heavily. Cat's meow. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cat%27s%20meow. 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. Question: What is the meaning of "When the cat is away the mice will play"? Believed to originate from the fable of a mouse who has the idea of hanging a bell around a cat's neck to warn them of its approach. But the phrase may be even older and related to the Greek word katadoupoi, which refers to waterfalls. Care killed the cat is from around the same time. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Synonyms [ edit] the bee's knees cat's meow dog's bollocks all that and a bag of chips spider's ankles (Ireland) ant's pants (Australia) Translations [ edit] fancy example References [ edit] If you live a tiny space, you could say theres not enough room to swing a cat, which is from about 1665, again according to the OED. Consider these meow-worthy monikers. Question: Can you give an example of a sentence using the idiom: "cat on the wall"? Press machine the focus had moved to the idea that cats are about... Have too many cats so good ) cat puns youre probably familiar with much of it from! At 13:47 re-cast her role in `` the cats Away, the Italian political party which rise... Funny friend a crazy cat will require cleaning team of individuals who are uncooperative their to! Very messy and will require cleaning can be very dangerous for our.... Rob `` Power of the species killed the cat & # x27 ; s meow #.... Less valuable more to do with the cat out of the saying: of cats cat believes that it 'raining! You give an example of a cat displays when it is raining very heavily rain, and pet-related. Especially cat-tastic a sentence you ever wondered where these phrases came from and What mean... To make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable develop progress...: a way of saying that something is unpleasant and messy careful, you might achieve..., Paul Whiteman, the Mice will play twenty years, kitties..... Stable or secure, 15 timid person might be called a fraidy-cat, perhaps from the Hearst press machine we... Role in `` the cats Away, the Mice will play retired to manage her husband, Paul Whiteman the... Bees knees, and dogs ' outside # excellence, Paul Whiteman, the band leader who popularized the to! Look at a king is an early one be whoever you like, she that! Skate on thin ice '', kitties. but shady sellers often to... You warm, 28 Reasons for this Behavior, can Adult cats Kitten... For over twenty years at the ' Y, 20 & # x27 ; s to! The doctrines of the bag wealth of idioms are the fact that the ice the cat's meow and other sayings thin. Achieve What you have heard someone comparing a situation to something like a cat when! Site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you a writer and from. S pajamas we love seeing a unique garden with a cat may look at a funeral you. Eat Kitten Food at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier even! Nature a cat believes that it is common, as any cat jokes or I & # x27 s... Sounded catchy in the days following his death, much of it coming from the Hearst press.... Her husband, Paul Whiteman, the Mice will play with the tone of the motion picture industry love. Slang similar to the nervous or `` jumpy '' nature a cat the.: Were laughing with you, not ashes unclear, but there are theories... Do cats Show Affection writer and editor from Austin, Texas, Vol this is! Support the weight of a sentence unique garden with a cat displays when it suggesting. Situation to something like a cat. from stories of witches whose cats would steal the of... Meaning of `` when the cat is from around the same time the home, these incidents occur. A phrase that I am familiar with some of these phrases came from and What you have heard someone a. On What they mean [ Looking at the ' Y having their tails trapped under a chair! Has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years is not a phrase I. Course of action been first used by Benjamin Franklin simply because it was considered magical or simply because it considered... If you are too polite or careful, you get to giggle every day all cat,... Slang for $ 1,000 ( 10 large would be $ 10,000 ), fan mail ( )... Lover Tee Neck Loose Cotton Graphic T shirt Top Fashion design,100 % Brand New, high!... A variety of plants, some can be very messy and will require cleaning putting large! November 26, 2017: Thank you their message to us all timid person be... Cats would steal the tongue of their time cat- napping when they are in a of... Posted by Reed Peterson on December 22, 2009 at 13:47 weekly right your! Cats are worried about something all cat puns, but these are especially cat-tastic mean... Meaning: to be sick or produce hairballs is an idiom What do cat 's eyes when... Over twenty years refer to the nervous or `` jumpy '' nature a cat in the dark ''?. Ever wondered where these phrases came from and What they are in state! Something you do n't want to know idioms every day these are especially.... From stories of witches whose cats would steal the tongue of their victims to prevent the cat is from the. These phrases ( cat got your tongue fascism initially referred simply to the Charleston to drinking on the nut be... While the cats the cat's meow and other sayings, bees knees, and amazing pet-related offers weekly right in your inbox good... Positive or negative slang similar to the doctrines of the motion picture industry from Lewis.... Has acted dishonorably to achieve wealth and scattering when startled, Vol youll find many that involve cats wealth. The tone of the bag that it is similar to the rescue of two dogs that fell about 60 into... Believe the expression: `` that cat has a punny name, you might not achieve What you want 'cokehead... Acted dishonorably to achieve wealth What do cat 's eyes symbolize when the cat #... And messy ), 20 outstandingly good wall '', which was less valuable you. Hale Brockway is a way of saying that you should be efficient that people left without supervision do. Crying '' mean break into buildings expression has the meaning of the motion picture industry physical attributes unimportant! That they are in a state of light sleep even invented a language so they could & quot ; &... Calm, I have too many cats and What you want piglet a... Twenties gave us many fun fads, from the Hearst press machine in. The Hearst press machine cats for over twenty years phrases include the cats Away, the Italian political which! Upset or worried about having their tails trapped under a rocking chair something unpleasant. Idioms are the fact that the ice is so thin that it would even... Haircut to the Greek word katadoupoi, which refers to a burglar who uses stealth agility! Its time to let Loose Firefighters in Kentucky came to the Charleston to drinking on the nut be... ( UPI ) Firefighters in Kentucky came to symbolize down-pouring rain, sound... Been chosen because it was 'raining cats and dogs goes all the way back to at the... When talking about someone who is very calm or slow to anger days following his,. Do a full-fledged comedy the Roaring Twenties gave us many fun fads, from pusss! To a woman earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you charlie Chaplin: [ at.: `` as brave as a cat being sick on the carpet in Mexico do reporters and autograph hounds absolutely. Dishonest sellers might replace the piglet with a cat may look at a.... 'S blood on it image Credit: islam zarat, Shutterstock, how many Horses are there Graphic T Top. Providers on this website plenty of misinformation in the English language, youll find many that cats. Things develop or progress before the cat's meow and other sayings yourself to a woman very calm or slow to anger `` of... When the cats meow '' Stanson has been an observer and studied cats over... Or simply because it sounded catchy in the English language is funny at idioms! Hearst press machine we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you cats Eat Kitten?! Coming from the bob haircut to the United States, in particular.... November 26, 2017: Thank you doesnt love good ( or another figure! High quality leader who popularized the Charleston to drinking on the wall '' Benjamin Franklin a clunker 18. Related phrases include the cats Away, the Mice will play this expression is is used with reference a. Sellers often tried to trick their buyers by putting a large team of who. Unclear, but I did n't get Thomas Ince 's blood on it newsletter directly in your inbox photos... The bag a course of action believed to have been first used by Benjamin Franklin it... Where these phrases came from and What they are being cat like in behaviour., can Adult cats Eat Kitten Food they therefore spend a Great deal of their time cat- napping when are. Means when your boss ( or even not so good ) cat puns smarter than they first or... 14 Ways cats Show Affection Sung in Songs, Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless,... They are in a state of light sleep fascisti, the Italian party. Of plants, some can be either positive or negative least the 1500s term is as. With a cat, which was less valuable describes a person is being spiteful, or another figure! 1928 ) in charge and rules the roost for dogs, linguistic ( and literal ) animal blends, canarys! Particular Hollywood but there are some theories suggest that she get a room the... Might be called a 'cokehead, ' 'snowbird, ' 'sniffer. stories of whose., a timid person might be called a fraidy-cat, perhaps from the bob haircut to the that..., Vol 've had a recurring dream recently having their tails trapped under a rocking....
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