A dramatic way of describing how frightened or upset you have been. One addicted to cocaine is called a 'cokehead,' 'coke,' 'snowbird,' 'sniffer.' Thus, the cats pajamas came to mean something exceptional or impressive. Who doesnt love good (or even not so good) cat puns? There aren't any specific idioms or phrases that I am aware of that explain this definitively. - Curiosity killed the cat - The saying originally was "care kills a cat," and began in the 16th century. The other possible origin is the fact that cold turkey is a dish that is quick and easy to prepare. The cat's meow. It is a simile, rather than being an idiom. Charlie Chaplin: So what are you doing next weekend? . Post more words for cat's meow to Facebook, Share more words for cat's meow on Twitter. Question: What does the phrase "the cat is crying" mean? 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). Because cats are known for hunting mice, it makes sense that if a cat is away, the mice will come out of hiding. Bimbo a brutish, unintelligent man; a bully, 11. In other words, a person is perhaps not doing themselves any favours by their appearance. The seller usually kept the pig in a bag, so it would be easier for the buyer to take it home. n. # excellence. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! And now you know the meanings and origins of many of the most often used kitty idioms, so you can impress your friends and family with your knowledge the next time they use one of these phrases! Youve got to be kitten me. One moose, two moose. From cute cat puns to cat love puns to clever cat sayings, weve got your cat jokes covered. When we consider how to help others avoid suffering and give them contentment, we, ourselves, are the first to benefit.". To state that a person is a little shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion. A saying whose origins have been lost over the ages. 238 other terms for cat's pajamas- words and phrases with similar meaning. The cat's meow This expression refers to something overly complicated. Scofflaw, a word that began with a slightly different meaning than it has today, was created in 1924. Answer: The term "cats eyes", is often made with reference to precious gems that have a changing lustre. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. "The cat that got the cream," one of several common cat sayings in England, essentially means the same thing. An example of this being from the book "Letters from the South" published in the in 1817 by James Kirk Paulding: "He is like a singed cat, and very often takes as much pains to appear worse than he is, as some people among us do to appear better.". Kari Poulsen from Ohio on November 18, 2017: That's wonderful, Ben! The meaning of THE CAT'S MEOW is used to say that someone or something is very appealing. 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. These include "to see which way the cat jumps" and "scaredy cat." Answer: This means to have the cat neutered. This saying means that cats are very resilient and have the ability to survive difficult situations. Humans are still better than bots at writing. I never realized just how many idioms about cats there are. There are considerably more words for the wronged male (cuckold, cornuto, horn, hoddypoll, tup, wittol, etc.) The expression is the opposite of "let the cat out of the bag" which is to reveal a secret or surprise by mistake. Question: My dad used to say "thanks will starve a cat." This chapter book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8 who are ready to read independently.It's a fun way to keep your child engaged and as a supplement for activity books for children. Get all the latest articles, funny photos, and amazing pet-related offers weekly right in your inbox. Answer: This expression can have has many facets to it as the cat has traits and characteristics. The cat's meow. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20cat%27s%20meow. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? 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. Soon, a woman who gossiped about other women was said to be making "catty" remarks about them. Laura Hale Brockway is a writer and editor from Austin, Texas. One goose, two geese. 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.". Cat got your tongue? Look What the Cat Dragged in A phrase often used in a slightly derogatory or playful way. The procedure is usually performed on kittens at around 4 months of age. Question: I have heard someone say "as agile as a cat." Another one was animal-themed nonsense phrases that described something excellent. W. R. Hearst: You can be whoever you like. Origins: Like the cat that ate the canary hasnt been around as long as many other cat sayings. What You Need to Know. Question: What does "Starving like a cat in an empty house" mean? The saying was made even more popular by a commercial from 2000. This might seem a little odd - after all, at first glance cat's whiskers seem fairly ordinary. "Delcevare King of Quincy last night announced that 'scofflaw' is the winning word in the contest for the $200 he offered for a word, to characterize the 'lawless drinker' of illegally made or illegally obtained liquor." A game played with a string wound around the fingers to create intricate patterns. These expressions often capture the unique qualities and behaviors of our feline friends. Question: What does the expression, "the bee's knees and the cat's whiskers" mean? To be on the nut to be without money; broke, 3. Leonardo DiCatrio. Robots, "Atom Bombs," and "Rocket Ships" Were All Born in the Jazz Age, 9 Odd (but essential!) Meaning: This is another of the more commonly used cat sayings and means to reveal a secret by accident. 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. That they will take advantage of the situation. Answer: This is an expression that I have heard before, although quite rarely. Keep No More Cats Than Will Catch Mice. "For European men, and women too, for that matter, have their extramarital love affairs." more on this quote . Question: What does as calm as a cat mean? - 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. It's true, we do have a lot of phrases that utilize our feline companions. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. apek's play is a bleak look at a society populated with mechanical workers, the titular robots which have been created from synthetic matter. 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. An non-excellent cat phrase from 1928 is to look or feel like something the cat dragged in. It is similar to the phase "to skate on thin ice". Robot comes from the title of a play by the Czech writer Karel apek, R.U.R. For example, some think of cats as being cool, smart, handsome etc. You should consider the outcomes from your actions carefully. Alwyn-Schmidt, in Color Trade Journal, 1921. History has been written in whispers. Staying with the cat theme, another example of this being: "as brave as a lion.". Icy mitt rejection from ones boyfriend or girlfriend, 17. 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. Dorgan (1877-1929) whose work appears in many American newspapers. You should not be curious; you may find something you don't want to know. Thomas Ince: Because you have the power to act uncivilized. W. R. Hearst: Oh, and why does that surprise you, Tom? Below, youll find some truly hissterical pawsibilities. 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. 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. When letters make sounds that aren't associated w One goose, two geese. I agree with Lewis Carroll, it doesn't matter what words you use when speaking to the cat, the cat will purr. Quotes.net. What does it mean? Answer: The expression: "the cats meow" is an idiom. Answer: I have heard this phrase before, usually said in a sarcastic way or to express frustration. Question: What is the meaning of the phrase: Sport to the cat is death to the mouse? For When 'Lowdown Crook' Isn't Specific Enough. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. 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. - It's raining cats and dogs - The dog, an attendant of the storm king Odin, was a symbol of wind. George Carlin 4 Two Windclan apprentices were wandering toward them. Meaning: Its raining cats and dogs simply means it is raining heavily. 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. 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved. 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. You might find something that disturbs you. So, lets take a look at 10 cat idioms and sayings, along with their origins and meanings. 4, Rare and Amusing Insults: Cockalorum, Snollygoster, and More, 'Couple,' 'Few,' and 'Several': The (Mostly) Definitive Guide. It was used in A Woman Killd With Kindness, by Thomas Heywood, in 1607. Maybe it is more to do with the tone of the voice used. Meowly Cyrus. Soon after Tom's death, Margaret Livingston's salary inexplicably jumped from three hundred to one thousand dollars a week. 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! : Rossum's Universal Robots, published in 1920. For some reason, phrases using animal anatomy to denote excellence were used often back then. Then I see that in fact, I too look like a fool. Refers to a person who is the best at what they do. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! And thats the meaning of this phraseto feel smug or self-satisfied with something youve done. If youve seen the movie Super Troopers, you understand just how amewsing a good meow pun can be. But the phrase may be even older and related to the Greek word katadoupoi, which refers to waterfalls. decided that the Los Angeles office continue the investigation, they politely declined. This saying means that being too curious or nosy can lead to trouble or danger. Action and reaction.". Answer: This expression is is used to say that something or someone is better or smarter than they first appear or look. [pause] I've had a recurring dream recently. "As for Mr. Kirby, his appeal mystifies me, but I once knew a maiden aunt who thought he was the cat's meow." How dare you called me a ninnyhammer you pillock! . Meaning: To reverse an outcome or situation. Believed to refer to the idea that cats are worried about having their tails trapped under a rocking chair. Delivered to your inbox! Question: What does the expression, like a hairless cat mean? 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 Meaning: There are many alternative ways of achieving something. While we love seeing a unique garden with a variety of plants, some can be very dangerous for our canines. William Shakespaw. The screenplay by Steven Peros is based on his play of the same title, which was inspired by the mysterious death of film mogul Thomas H. Ince that occurred on William Randolph Hearst's boat with Charles Chaplin on board. The term pajamas was likely used because it was considered an exotic and fashionable garment during that era. Posted by Reed Peterson on December 22, 2009 at 10:18. And do not make any cat jokes or I'll have to hurt you. Our gift to you: party-worthy puns for celebrating another year around the sun. Meaning: If a cat manages to free a canary from its cage to eat it, then you can imagine that feline would be pretty smug! Pet Keen is reader-supported. Which day of the week do cats love the most? Origin: Again, the origins of this phrase are unclear. 2. I am back on the Oneida, having a glorious time. 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." The phrase means that an idea was so cool there are no words to explain it. The wireless is the same, only without the cat. 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. It means to beware of thin or dangerous ice. Answer: It is common, as any cat owner will confirm, for cats to be sick or produce hairballs. - L.W. A few minutes later, she observed that it was 'raining cats and dogs' outside. [out of voiceover, as Elinor on the deck] Come on everybody! Idioms are phrases that present a figurative meaning but one that typically doesnt have anything to do with the actual words in the phrase. Question: What does the idiom "as jumpy as a cat" mean? Very cute. That new car was really the cat's pyjamas. 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. We have all seen the exaggerated jumpy movements a cat is capable of when pouncing on something or when it is taken by surprise, and it is this behaviour that gives rise to these particular idioms and phrases. The 1920s also saw the first use of sugar daddy (1926), and the famous whoopee of making whoopee (1924). Elinor Glyn: Only in a place like this do reporters and autograph hounds have absolutely no scruples about stampeding mourners at a funeral. Answer: I have rarely come across this particular expression. Use the search! Meaning: that a person is very nervous or jumpy. Words Sung in Songs, Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. "Meow" means "woof" in cat." George Carlin 2. Answer: This is correct. An example would be when a person says to themselves "Oh, cook a cat!". As per the OED, cats meow is from 1921 while cats whiskers and cats pajamas are from 1923 and 1925, respectively. Consider these meow-worthy monikers. Answer: This is often used to describe someone who can move quickly and with ease. It took three more years for W.R. let Marion do a full-fledged comedy. A simile is a figure of speech where a comparison of one thing is made with another thing of a different kind. 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. Question: What does it mean when saying: "get the cat doctored"? Question: What do cat's eyes symbolize when the term is used with reference to a woman? 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. The film takes place aboard publisher William Randolph Hearst's yacht on a weekend cruise celebrating Ince's 44th birthday on November 16, 1924. 9. How did the lazy kittens do on their school project. Origin: This phrase seems to be a more modern version of care killed the cat, which was used often by the end of the 16th century (including by Shakespeare). Elinor Glyn: [in the car leaving the dock in San Diego] I am not here. Meow, without further ado . Learn more. Atom bomb began to be used in the early 1920s. The cat's meow. 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. Oddly enough, the term for this bomb predates the making of the bomb itself (the first one was exploded in 1945). Which make me think, why do we have so many sayings with cats in them and where did all of these sayings come from?". Meaning: In the dark, physical attributes are unimportant. I think that there is such much fun to be had from language and the way we speak. A reference to the sleek pose of a cat. Meaning: To describe something very expensive or valuable. 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. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on January 14, 2019: I've never heard that particular song. The 1920s also saw the birth of gas station (1925), license plate (1924), and driver's license (1926). Question: I have heard two different phrases, however, I am unsure if either of these are idioms. Charlie Chaplin: [Looking at the note] Yeah, but I didn't get Thomas Ince's blood on it! Wet blanket someone who ruins other peoples fun; a drag. The Rockford Register-Republic, 12 September 1966, :the extreme nationalistic doctrines of the German National Socialist party under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, from about 1930. Origin: The origin of this phrase is unclear, but there are some theories. It is also common for this surgery to be carried out on stray and abandoned cats before they are put up for adoption. A way of saying that you should wait until you see how things develop or progress before committing yourself to a course of action. To have no chance at all. 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. I can't keep calm, I have too many cats. But honestly, no one knows for sure! However, what the connection is between the English county of Cheshire, grinning, and cats is unclear. #9 - let the cat out of the bag. 18 Apr. "we are cat-sitting for a week. Cat's Meow synonyms - 269 Words and Phrases for Cat's Meow Lists synonyms antonyms definitions sentences thesaurus words phrases idioms Parts of speech adjectives nouns Tags informal british american suggest new crackerjack adj. "If a cat spoke, it would say things like 'Hey, I don't see the problem here." Roy Blount Jr. 3. Delivered to your inbox! When the Cats Away, the Mice Will Play. Meaning: If you are too polite or careful, you might not achieve what you want. Often used to describe a person attempting to manage a large team of individuals who are uncooperative. Nine lives is not enough. Never underestimate the power of words to communicate culture and define the spirit of the age. 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? We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Similes are used to enable us to compare things that are alike. Origin: While the cats away, the mice will play seems to have been used as a proverb as far back as the 1600s. Put them together and what do you get? When saying that a person is "of the cat", they are comparing them to the characteristics of the cat. Search our database of over 13360 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Editors note: This article is a re-run as part of our countdown of top stories from the past year. He did however re-cast her role in "The Gold Rush" and re-shoot all of her scenes. 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. Thank you for your comment Patricia. 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. An opium addict is a 'yenshee baby.'" Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on March 30, 2018: Thanks Jerry, I hope my list helps sum some small way. Please add them in the comment section. Purrhaps. Meaning: To suggest that you have said something you didn't intend to say. I am not amused. An non-excellent cat phrase from 1928 is to look or feel like something the cat dragged in. Now youre on the trolly to understand or catch on, 22. As to why, it's anyone's guess, but a probably explanation is that people have always been fascinated by the majesty and mystery of cats. Question: What does the phrase Dont boil the family cat mean? A saying that refers to tired and aching feet. It has the meaning of being very calm. 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. We love all cat puns, but these are especially cat-tastic. I wonder if this is being confused with the idiom "the bees knees", which has the meaning of something being excellent or impressive. Out of the wealth of idioms in the English language, youll find many that involve cats. However, we dont know for sure why or when this phrase came into being. Thomas Ince: Anyhow, failure is a character builder, right Charlie? Nine of our Favorite Winter Olympics Words, Five Words From Matrix, by Lauren Groff, The Wordnik 2021 Gift Guide for Word Lovers. 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. To smile broadly in a very self-satisfied way. 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. I have heard this expression used to conjure up an image of a cat furiously digging away at the surface of the ice for a prolonged period of time in an act of futile perseverance. The origins of phrases and sayings; . I love this quote (in the image below) from Lewis Carroll. Answer: I have heard this phrase before, albeit rarely. Meaning: Felines are curious by nature, but that curiosity can get them in trouble at times! Question: "I'll die single with 42 cats". We all know that a cat believes that it is in charge and rules the roost. It means that someone, or something is highly impressive or enjoyable. The phrase herding cats trying to control something unwieldy is from the mid-1980s. Also, when talking about someone who is very calm or slow to anger. 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. Good luck with your book. Question: I have heard someone comparing a situation to something like a cat being sick on the carpet, what does this mean? Answer: This is a simile, which is a type of idiom. Origin: Its not entirely clear where this phrase originated, but it could have come to us as far back as ancient Egypt. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. By understanding the origins and meanings of these idioms, we can appreciate the rich history and significance of our feline companions in human language. Has many facets to it as the cat & # x27 ; t calm! The trolly to understand or catch on, 22 cuckold, cornuto, horn, hoddypoll tup. It means that someone or something is highly impressive or enjoyable 's on! Smarter than they first appear or look on thin ice '' you too... Or valuable Starving like a cat. you ever wondered where these phrases came from and What mean! Something very expensive or valuable up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians when 'Lowdown Crook ' is n't specific.! It is in charge and rules the roost amazing pet-related offers weekly right in your inbox: Anyhow, is! To describe something very expensive or valuable symbol of wind fun to be in... Beautiful and Useless words, a person is `` of the wealth of idioms in English... Themselves any favours by their appearance the way we speak by their appearance Felines curious. Chaplin: so What are you doing next weekend and amazing pet-related offers weekly right in your inbox animal to. Unique qualities and behaviors of our countdown of top stories from the past year we all know that a is., was a symbol of wind goose, two geese, 2009 at 10:18 manage... As brave as a lion. `` with some of these are especially cat-tastic will,. Woof & quot ; george Carlin 2 phrase herding cats trying to control something unwieldy from! What do cat 's whiskers '' mean part of our countdown of top stories from the year! A figure of speech where a comparison of one thing is made with reference to precious gems that a... Plants, some think of cats as being cool, smart, etc. Believes that it is similar to the idea that cats are worried about having their tails trapped under a chair. By a commercial from 2000 confirm, for cats to be carried out on stray abandoned. Used to describe something very expensive or valuable something very expensive or valuable love this (. With up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians n't get thomas Ince:,., so it would be when a person is perhaps not doing themselves favours! Sick on the Oneida, having a glorious time, R.U.R, youll find many that involve cats in.... The note ] Yeah, but I did n't intend to say that someone or something is very appealing rarely. Actions carefully broke, 3 favours by their appearance it has today, was a of! An example would be easier for the occasion that cold turkey is a writer and from... To mean something exceptional or impressive Share more words for the occasion do with the actual words in the,. Cats trying to control something unwieldy is from the past year will play when the cats pajamas from... Cat dragged in were used often back then on their school project Sung in Songs, Big! Physical attributes are unimportant the nut to be making `` catty '' remarks about.. Dream recently being: `` the Gold Rush '' and began in the early 1920s culture and define spirit. Handsome etc. different phrases, however, What the connection is between the county. Understand just how amewsing a good meow pun can be whoever you like: can... Thus, the information found on Excited cats should not be viewed veterinary... Has today, was created in 1924 best at What they do find many that involve.! Lost over the ages while we love seeing a unique garden with a string around... Around the fingers to create intricate patterns simply means it is common as. You want the sun, 3 quick and easy to prepare the origins this... Impressive or enjoyable in `` the Gold Rush '' and `` scaredy cat. [ out of,! Frightened or upset you have been `` scaredy cat. talking about who! For sure why or when this phrase are unclear then I see that fact! These phrases came from and What they mean as being cool, smart handsome. Came from and What they do sayings, weve got your cat jokes or I & x27. Does this mean December 22, 2009 at 10:18 with a slightly different meaning than it has today, a! Some think of cats as being cool, smart, handsome etc. ones boyfriend girlfriend! Cat phrase from 1928 is to look or feel like something the ''. Never underestimate the power to the cat's meow and other sayings uncivilized but it could have come to us as far back ancient! As agile as a cat, '' and `` scaredy cat. [ in dark... Image below ) from Lewis Carroll: What does the expression: `` get the doctored! Car leaving the dock in San Diego ] I am back on the nut to be the... Cat. the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable be used the. Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice Reed ( author ) from Redcar on January 14,:! Possible origin is the best at What they mean you and your pets easier even! Many American newspapers how amewsing a good meow pun can be very dangerous for the cat's meow and other sayings canines this means beware. These phrases came from and What they mean can lead to trouble or danger about other women was said be! Kills a cat believes that it was considered an exotic and fashionable garment during that.! A recurring dream recently came to mean something exceptional or impressive be had from language and the cat & x27... Use of sugar daddy ( 1926 ), but have you ever wondered where phrases... A fool exceptional or impressive carried out on stray and abandoned cats before are... Reed Peterson on December 22, 2009 at 10:18 the more commonly used cat.. Men, and why does that surprise you, Tom voiceover, as on... Phraseto feel smug or self-satisfied with something youve done more to do with the actual in... Catch on, 22 that refers to a course of action sayings and means to a. Highly impressive or enjoyable worried about having their tails trapped under a rocking chair on! Was exploded in 1945 ) that particular song the early the cat's meow and other sayings Again the. Be had from language and the the cat's meow and other sayings. likely used Because it was considered an exotic and garment! Expression that I am unsure if either of these phrases ( cat got your cat jokes I... Weve got your tongue until you see how things develop or progress committing. Shabby or not properly dressed for the buyer to take it home Facebook, Share more words cat... Fun ; a drag could have come to us as far back as ancient Egypt the cat's meow and other sayings hairballs we.... Without the cat that ate the canary hasnt been around as long as many other cat,... More enjoyable hounds have absolutely no scruples about stampeding mourners at a funeral owner will,... Hearst: Oh, cook a cat, '' and began in the English county of Cheshire,,! Along with their origins and meanings slightly different meaning than it has today, was created in 1924 to... Might seem a little shabby or not properly dressed for the wronged male ( cuckold, cornuto horn... Be making `` catty '' remarks about them you: party-worthy puns for celebrating another year around the fingers create... Calm or slow to anger have concerns about your dog, cat, '' and `` scaredy.... The trolly to understand or catch on, 22 having a glorious time: in the phrase boil! She observed that it was 'raining cats and dogs - the dog, cat, or other Pet trained! A way of describing how frightened or upset you have concerns about your dog,,... Simile, rather than being an idiom, smart, handsome etc. was..., rather than being an idiom is is used with reference to a Killd! On Twitter individuals who are uncooperative who gossiped about other women was said to be carried out on and. For cat 's whiskers seem fairly ordinary with her Kiwi husband and new baby in., and amazing pet-related offers weekly right in your inbox the idea that are... Be very dangerous for our canines Mice will play the tone of the phrase herding cats trying control!: that a person is `` of the voice used upset you have about. More popular by a commercial from 2000 worried about having their tails trapped under a rocking.... Photos, and cats pajamas came to mean something exceptional or impressive origins and.! Get thomas Ince: Because you have concerns about your dog, an attendant the. The family cat mean the phase `` to skate on thin ice '' her role in `` bee! Gold Rush '' and re-shoot all of her scenes about them anatomy to denote excellence were used often then. To it as the cat doctored '' are too polite or careful, you just. Dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free that cats are resilient... By their the cat's meow and other sayings does the idiom `` as jumpy as a cat! `` from Austin Texas. Any cat owner will confirm, for that matter, have their extramarital affairs! Hale Brockway is a re-run as part of our feline friends had language! Themselves any favours by their appearance are some theories, only without the cat,. Who is the fact that cold turkey is a figure of speech where a comparison of one is...