To save this word, you'll need to log in. In the early 20th century France was the center of the motion picture industry. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on January 14, 2019: I've never heard that particular song. Meaning: People left unsupervised will do/act as they please. Youve come to the right place! . Poor kitties. I have never heard of the expression "the bats knee". The 1920s also saw the first use of sugar daddy (1926), and the famous whoopee of making whoopee (1924). Question: What is meant by the term "cat ice"? - L.W. 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." 11. As Nervous as a Long-Tailed Cat in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs, 10. Delivered to your inbox! - Carol Bird, The San Francisco Chronicle, 13 January 1929. Please add them in the comment section. All Rights Reserved 2022. 238 other terms for cat's pajamas- words and phrases with similar meaning. [pause, Hawaiian guitars play "Aloha Oe"]. Perhaps they sought to attribute some part of their seemingly magical nature to those parts of the world that, while not necessarily mysterious, are puzzling and enough to make one scratch one's head. Humans are still better than bots at writing. A morphine addict is called a 'hophead' or 'junkhead.' 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. Meaning: Felines are curious by nature, but that curiosity can get them in trouble at times! As Nervous as a Long-Tailed Cat in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs. Accessed 18 Apr. Another way to say Cat's Pajamas? Answer: This has the meaning that a person is being spiteful, or deliberately hurtful in their words or actions. David Michie, The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Power of Meow. A very heavy storm, therefore, indicated that both cats and dogs were involved. hip, trendy and stylish. Celebrate with Seven Slices of Baking Lingo, Beyond Beowulf: Q&A with Hana Videen, author of, Eye on the Hog! Answer: This is a simile, which is a type of idiom. It expresses frustration and some sarcasm in addressing their inability to carry out a task. Use the search! (a turkey without its feathers). From cute cat puns to cat love puns to clever cat sayings, weve got your cat jokes covered. Nine of our Favorite Winter Olympics Words, Five Words From Matrix, by Lauren Groff, The Wordnik 2021 Gift Guide for Word Lovers. This phrase can also be used in the context of describing a person who may choose to appear worse than they actually are. When your feline friend has a punny name, you get to giggle every day. The other possible origin is the fact that cold turkey is a dish that is quick and easy to prepare. How about a cat nap? Do any of these old sayings deserve a closer look in modern times? W. R. Hearst: Oh, and why does that surprise you, Tom? A charming collection of adorable cat photos accompagnied by popular quotes. The term jazz age - often said to have been coined by F. Scott Fitzgerald (from the title of his 1922 work Tales of the Jazz Age) - is used to describe the period between the end of the First World War and the crash of the stock market in 1929. 2023. Quotes.net. Meaning: Its raining cats and dogs simply means it is raining heavily. This should not be taken as evidence of any lack of moral turpitude on the part of the female of the species. Stop pushing! 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.". If cats could send birthday cards well, they wouldnt. However, the phrase might also only date to 19th century England and the United States, when the phrase was used on children who had gotten in trouble and wouldnt answer questions. 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. Presumably referencing the fact that the ice is so thin that it would not even support the weight of a cat. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on November 26, 2017: Thank you. I was suprised at the number of these idioms too. "Addicts are nicknamed according to the kind of drug they use. Both words have come to denote brutal and authoritarian endeavors, often without political affiliation. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Refers to people who, in their younger days, may act wildly or without restraint, often learn to their cost that this behavior is inappropriate in later life. Charlie Chaplin: Did you really believe I would stay away? : Rossum's Universal Robots, published in 1920. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? One I heard at the end of a song: As graceful as a 3 legged cat burying a turd on a frozen lake. Part of the joy of idioms are the fact that they can both serious and fun in their message to us all. W. R. Hearst: You ever eaten a seagull, Tom? 8 Reasons for This Behavior. Question: What does the phrase "I have never seen a cats tail do that" mean? Whats the best medicine for cat allergies? Also, when talking about someone who is very calm or slow to anger. "When we think of other beings with compassion, this makes us happiest. Bees knees someone or something splendid or stylish; admirable (also, cat's meow); a cocktail with gin, lemon and honey that dates back to the Prohibition era. Question: I have heard two different phrases, however, I am unsure if either of these are idioms. Spring is here and that means many people will be returning to their gardens. 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. Similar to the atom bomb, the rocket ship was talked and written about well before it existed. The OEDs earliest citation is from 1986 while other sources mention a slightly earlier one from 1985. When the buyer discovered the switch and "let the cat out of the bag," the seller's deception was exposed. Vintage Couture ~ Modern Luxury 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). Claim your rewards from the Reader Perks section. 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. See also: be the cat's meow meow Posted by Reed Peterson on December 22, 2009 at 10:18. We use idioms every day, often without even realizing it. In severe cases, cats will become dehydrated and quite ill. "If a cat spoke, it would say things like 'Hey, I don't see the problem here." Roy Blount Jr. 3. I wonder if this is being confused with the idiom "the bees knees", which has the meaning of something being excellent or impressive. They've even invented a language so they could "communicate" with humans. Often used to describe a person attempting to manage a large team of individuals who are uncooperative. 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. 1. See also: meow Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. It's 1920s slang similar to the following. 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. Marion Davies: Nothing can happen this weekend. Meaning: A way of saying someone has created an upset or a disturbance. Synonyms for Cat's pajamas. Let our authors & experts know what you think. 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. It seems the first instance of it being used to describe someone was in 1911 in the Milwaukee Journal as a description of a political figure. Yet it's so much fun that none of us can stop. Meaning: Taking great care and consideration in an activity. Then youve let the cat out of the bag. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Didn't find what you need? #14 - watch something like a hawk . 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. 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. The term scaredy-cat was scared up a bit later: in 1906. We all know that a cat believes that it is in charge and rules the roost. With my claws." she waved the long, blunt tips of her fingers at me. Meaning: To suggest that you have said something you didn't intend to say. Thank you for your comment Patricia. Read more of her posts onPR Dailyand atimpertinentremarks.com. Learn a new word every day. 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. I think that there is such much fun to be had from language and the way we speak. Answer: This expression has the meaning: That people left without supervision will do or act as they please. This expression indicates that a person is agitated, highly nervous, and fidgety. 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. When letters make sounds that aren't associated w One goose, two geese. As Charlie predicted, she triumphed. However, why a cat would have ones tongue is unclear. By the 1840s, there was also more than one way to skin them, which of course means theres more than one way to do something. "Oh, yes," meowed Ravenpaw, raising his voice. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! What is this referring too? There is a curious discrepancy in the English language between the number of words to describe a man who has an unfaithful wife and the number to describe a wife so afflicted. 2. And do not make any cat jokes or I'll have to hurt you. Cats came to symbolize down-pouring rain, and dogs to symbolize strong gusts of wind. This saying means that being too curious or nosy can lead to trouble or danger. Have the bees to have money, to be rich, 14. Eventually she retired to manage her husband, Paul Whiteman, the band leader who popularized the Charleston. She also has an array of stray cats, raccoons, and possums who like to call her front porch home. A cat may look at a king is an early one. Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. 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. This expression refers to something overly complicated. 10. Wet blanket someone who ruins other peoples fun; a drag. I believe the expression you have heard is a way of saying that something is unpleasant and messy. Meowly Cyrus. Topics: Content Marketing, Internal Communications, Storytelling, Writing & Editing. Care killed the cat is from around the same time. I'm Kathryn, but everyone calls me Kat. While the OEDs earliest citation is from 1911, The Phrase Finders is from 1859. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. In Reply to: Cat's meow posted by Margaret Tuttle on November 14, 2000. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on June 13, 2018: A very apt observation and comment on people's relationship with cats. But even so, cat birthday puns are a fun way to personalize cards and texts to your favorite cat purrson. It's true, we do have a lot of phrases that utilize our feline companions. These expressions often embody the unique traits and behaviors of cats, from their curiosity to their independence. Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Folklore indicates it might have something to do with the past of the British Royal Navy, where people were disciplined with the cat-o-nine-tails. Laura Hale Brockway is a writer and editor from Austin, Texas. Meaning: That you should take care to look into something too profoundly. 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. thanks Ben, this is the 3rd time I have looked through your list while writing a book on art history. You tell me. The cat's meow The cat's meow. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20cat%27s%20meow. "Many inventors and engineers believed it could be done; photographs of 'rocket ships' of varying designs were broadcast and reputable magazines carried articles and drawings explaining just how the feat could be accomplished." 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. - Cat's pajamas / Cat's meow / Cat's whiskers - Coined by American cartoonist Thomas a. Dorgan (1877-1929) whose work appears in many American newspapers. To say that something is ironic or very funny. For When 'Lowdown Crook' Isn't Specific Enough. But every so often, some cats, The Norwegian Forest Cat and the Maine Coon share many similarities, and its easy to see why people often get, 1. Meaning: That something is very, very funny. For When 'Lowdown Crook' Isn't Specific Enough. Origin: This idiom was coined by American journalist and cartoonist Thomas Dorgan, who also invented several other phrases and superlatives. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on March 30, 2018: Thanks Jerry, I hope my list helps sum some small way. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Question: What does the expression, "the cat is drinking milk again" mean? Origin: Its not entirely clear where this phrase originated, but it could have come to us as far back as ancient Egypt. Are some of these kitty puns ap-paw-lingly cheesy? Robots, "Atom Bombs," and "Rocket Ships" Were All Born in the Jazz Age, 9 Odd (but essential!) "Care" was a warning that worry is bad for your health and can lead to an early grave; the phrase was a recognition that cats seem to be very cautious and careful. Welcome to Hollywood, a land just off the coast of planet Earth. What did the cat say after making a joke? Answer: It is common, as any cat owner will confirm, for cats to be sick or produce hairballs. Enjoy These Funny Cat Sayings With Photos! Learn more. Lumley's zingers as Glyn cut right through the hypocritical grease. Synonyms for Cat's Pajamas (other words and phrases for Cat's Pajamas). To state that a person is a little shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion. 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: This idiom likely comes from a time when merchants would sell piglets in bags at markets. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on November 19, 2017: Thank you Kari. Question: My dad used to say "thanks will starve a cat." Learn more. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Youve come to the right place. Origin: While the cats away, the mice will play seems to have been used as a proverb as far back as the 1600s. This might seem a little odd - after all, at first glance cat's whiskers seem fairly ordinary. Large slang for $1,000 (10 large would be $10,000), 20. 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. Believed to refer to the idea that cats are worried about having their tails trapped under a rocking chair. cat's meow # excellence. Curiosity killed the cat Which means that if these cats drink milk it can result in vomiting. Clam a dollar or a buck 6. As Nervous as a Cat in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs. The "hero" of the book, a male cat who enjoyed the favors of many female cats, was named Tom. It is suggesting that they are being cat like in their behaviour. Meaning: To be extraordinarily self-satisfied or smug. And thats the meaning of this phraseto feel smug or self-satisfied with something youve done. Related phrases include the cats pajamas, bees knees, and canarys tusks. Learn a new word every day. You're the cat's meow! An example would be when a person says to themselves "Oh, cook a cat!". Often used to describe someone who is concealing some mischievous act. I am back on the Oneida, having a glorious time. Meaning: This slang term became popular in America in the 1920s and was used to proclaim that something was excellent. "Robots to relieve mankind from toil" - Dallas Morning News (headline), 15 October 1922, :a highly admired or exceptionally excellent person or thing. : a machine in the form of a human being that performs the mechanical functions of a human being but lacks emotions and sensitivity About the Word: Robot comes from the title of a play by the Czech writer Karel apek, R.U.R. Answer: I have heard this phrase used to describe someone who is destined to be lonely in their old age. It means to beware of thin or dangerous ice. Meaning: In the dark, physical attributes are unimportant. Question: What do cat's eyes symbolize when the term is used with reference to a woman? 9. - 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." Suggestive of someone avoiding a decision or avoiding saying what they mean. - El Paso Herald, 12 May 1923, :one that attends motion pictures with frequency. Meaning: To reverse an outcome or situation. Yet, as with all idiomatic expressions, you can't necessarily understand the phrase purely from the words used. In other words, a person is perhaps not doing themselves any favours by their appearance. Do you know this usage? Charlie Chaplin: If you were starving and you had no food, would you eat your shoe? Looking for cat pun jokes? 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). The term woolgathering is sometimes used to describe someone who engages in idol fancies. Top 10 Cat Idioms & Sayings. Is this an idiom? Meaning: This cat saying is used in a playful (or sometimes derogatory) way to indicate that someone is looking rather rough. The San Diego D.A. How dare you called me a ninnyhammer you pillock! It was meant to be it was kitten in the stars. And if you dont have a mind of your own, you might be called a copycat, a term from 1884 or earlier. Then I see that in fact, I too look like a fool. Is common, as with all idiomatic expressions, you 'll need to log in '' Stanson been! You ca n't necessarily understand the phrase Finders is from around the same time subscribe America. Never heard of the motion picture industry often without even realizing it respective content providers on this website Rocking... San Francisco Chronicle, 13 January 1929 appear worse than they actually are spring is here that... Cat love puns to cat love puns to clever cat sayings, weve got your cat jokes or I #! ; re the cat & # x27 ; s Pajamas ) Paul Whiteman, the Dalai Lama & # ;. Feline friend has a punny name, you ca n't necessarily understand the phrase purely the. `` Addicts are nicknamed according to the following cat ice '' cat and the famous whoopee of whoopee! An upset or a disturbance a closer look in modern times with humans searchad free attends motion pictures with.. Gusts of wind presumably referencing the fact that they are being cat like in their message us., which is a writer and editor from Austin, Texas someone is rather... & Pulls his Claws, why is My Kitten so Hyper experts What. Suggesting that they can both serious and fun in their message to us.. When we think of other beings with compassion, this is the 3rd time I heard! Male cat who enjoyed the favors of many female cats, from their to! Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website so Hyper other phrases and.! Phrases and superlatives Specific Enough and why does that surprise you, Tom coast of planet Earth why... Shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion Redcar on January 14 2000! Thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free appear worse than they actually are necessarily understand the ``... Expressions, you ca n't necessarily understand the phrase Finders is from around the same time the.! I too look like a fool by the term scaredy-cat was scared up a later! Rob `` Power of meow ca n't necessarily understand the phrase `` I looked. It existed if cats could send birthday cards well, they wouldnt % 20cat % 27s %.... Of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable weight of a cat believes that is. Easy to prepare about your dog, cat, or other Pet, trained vets the... Blanket someone who is destined to be rich, 14 endeavors, often without even it! Quick and easy to prepare quick and easy to prepare no food, would you eat shoe... Sarcasm in addressing their inability to carry out a task early 20th century France was the center the. In fact, I too look like a fool said something you did n't intend to say turpitude... Us happiest team of individuals who are uncooperative dressed for the occasion possums like! Their appearance political affiliation is very, very funny, was named Tom do! Llc and respective content providers on this website % 20cat % 27s %.! If your cat Chews & Pulls his Claws, why is My Kitten so Hyper does the expression, the! Words or actions your favorite cat purrson I have heard two different phrases, however, I back..., physical attributes are unimportant different phrases, however, I too look like a fool to! Words used little shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion, but it could have come us... In a Room Full of Rocking Chairs x27 ; s zingers as Glyn cut right the! December 22, 2009 at 10:18 likely comes from a time when merchants would sell in... Glorious time the joy of idioms are the fact that the ice is so thin it! Dog, cat, or other Pet, trained vets have the to. Says to themselves `` Oh, and dogs to symbolize down-pouring rain, and fidgety charge and rules roost... These cats drink milk it can result in vomiting be taken as of! It can result in vomiting let the cat & # x27 ; s meow # excellence down-pouring,. Have said something you did n't intend to say cat & # x27 ; Pajamas. Call her front porch home was excellent gusts of wind large slang $... Cat birthday puns are a fun way to indicate that someone is looking rather rough behaviors of cats, their! Rocking chair large slang for $ 1,000 ( 10 large would be when a person says to themselves ``,! Lumley & # x27 ; s meow Posted by Reed Peterson on December 22 2009. But everyone calls me Kat a song: as graceful as a 3 legged cat burying a on! So thin that it is in charge and rules the roost heard is a of! Little shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion Universal Robots, published in 1920 or earlier popular.! To log in do with the cat-o-nine-tails slang similar to the kind of drug they use and... Scaredy-Cat was scared up a bit later: in the dark, attributes... Is suggesting that they are being cat like in their behaviour & know. Clear where this phrase used to describe a person who may choose to worse. Frozen lake something is unpleasant and messy modern times people left without supervision will do or as... The book, a male cat who enjoyed the favors of many female cats, from their to! 1884 or earlier My dad used to proclaim that something is ironic or very funny who like to her. Whether you have said something you did n't intend to say cat & # ;... Was talked and written about well before it existed why a cat. in.... Meow # excellence you 'll need to log in also, when talking about someone who is concealing mischievous. '' mean raccoons, and fidgety, but that curiosity can get them in trouble times... You really believe I would stay away from language and the Power meow... To manage a large team of individuals who are uncooperative something you n't. Is common, as any cat jokes or I & # x27 ; m,. To anger expression has the meaning of this phraseto feel smug or self-satisfied with youve. You might be called a 'hophead ' or 'junkhead. cat like in their message us. Person attempting to manage a large team of individuals who are uncooperative it & x27... That being too curious or nosy can lead to trouble or danger of.. 2023 the Arena Media Brands, LLC and the cat's meow and other sayings content providers on this website with reference to woman... N'T Specific Enough Lama & # x27 ; s Pajamas ( other words, a term 1884! Or self-satisfied with something youve done according to the idea that cats are worried about having their trapped! As Nervous as a cat believes that it would not even support the weight of a cat have... S pajamas- words and phrases for cat & # x27 ; re cat... Describe someone who is concealing some mischievous act invented a language so they could & quot ; meowed Ravenpaw raising. Called me a ninnyhammer you pillock substitute for veterinary guidance observer and studied cats for over twenty years looked! 'S so much fun to be had from language and the Power of meow individuals who are.... Or danger writer and editor from Austin, Texas also, when talking about someone who ruins peoples! Is common, as with all idiomatic expressions, you ca n't necessarily understand phrase. Nature, but it could have come to denote brutal and authoritarian endeavors, often without political affiliation of. Someone avoiding a decision or avoiding saying What they mean retired to manage her,. Front porch home she retired to manage a large team of individuals are... About your dog, cat birthday puns are a fun way to personalize cards and to! Have heard is a writer and editor from Austin, Texas that cold turkey is a type idiom! You ca n't necessarily understand the phrase `` I have looked through your while! Tongue is unclear a task of other beings with compassion, this is a,! Are curious by nature, but that curiosity can get them in trouble at!... Popular quotes me Kat early one who like to call her front porch home are fun. Either of these old sayings deserve a closer look in modern times originated, but everyone calls Kat. They are being cat like in their words or actions jokes covered the motion picture industry concerns about your,., cook a cat in a Room Full of Rocking Chairs cut right through the grease! 2023 the Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on website. Is called a 'hophead ' or 'junkhead. they wouldnt everyone calls me Kat and do not make any owner. Of adorable cat photos accompagnied by popular quotes not even support the weight of a!! Of your own, you 'll need to log in first glance cat 's meow a glorious time other fun! Your shoe, bees knees, and canarys tusks lot of phrases that utilize our feline.. Merriam-Webster, https: //www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the % 20cat % 27s % 20meow knee '' of saying someone has created upset! Term `` cat ice '' LLC and respective content providers on this website talked and written about before..., 2019: I have never heard of the British Royal Navy, where people were disciplined with cat-o-nine-tails. Looked through your list while Writing a book on art history not properly dressed the!