Care killed the cat is from around the same time. The first recorded use of this idiomatic expression was between 1905 - 1910. In other words, a person is perhaps not doing themselves any favours by their appearance. : Rossum's Universal Robots, published in 1920. Question: "Don't whip the cat" is an expression used in my family to mean don't waste your time on useless regrets. 30. Thomas Ince: Anyhow, failure is a character builder, right Charlie? Consider these meow-worthy monikers. This expression indicates that a person is agitated, highly nervous, and fidgety. Not only do we think kitties are just purrfect, we also love those whiskery words and feline phrases. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on June 20, 2018: Thank you for your comment. Robot comes from the title of a play by the Czech writer Karel apek, R.U.R. Answer: I believe that this expression was used in the mid 19th Century with reference to the act of flaunting a new dress by swinging it around. It means to beware of thin or dangerous ice. In the early 20th century France was the center of the motion picture industry. While we love seeing a unique garden with a variety of plants, some can be very dangerous for our canines. The "hero" of the book, a male cat who enjoyed the favors of many female cats, was named Tom. Little evidence exists now or existed at the time to support any version of those weekend events. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on January 14, 2019: I've never heard that particular song. (UPI) A dog who went missing from on an Alaskan island was found nearly a month later, after crossing about 150 miles of sea ice to the mainland. Answer: This is a simile, which is a type of idiom. It is a simile, rather than being an idiom. 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. "Meow" means "woof" in cat." George Carlin 2. To state that a person is a little shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. What did the cat say after making a joke? Notorious C.A.T. Meow, without further ado . I wonder if this is being confused with the idiom "the bees knees", which has the meaning of something being excellent or impressive. Learn more. A phrase used to describe a fashionable person. Synonyms for Cat's Pajamas (other words and phrases for Cat's Pajamas). Question: What does the idiom "as jumpy as a cat" mean? 1. A simile is a figure of speech where a comparison of one thing is made with another thing of a different kind. 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. 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. Cats have an incredible ability to mesmerize and confound. [pause] I've had a recurring dream recently. The San Diego D.A. Laura Hale Brockway is a writer and editor from Austin, Texas. More than several/a few/a couple of you have asked. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Which inexplicably reported that Ince was stricken unconscious while visiting Hearst at his upstate ranch. One goose, two geese. Albert Einstein 4 Meow" means "woof" in cat. 2. Now youre on the trolly to understand or catch on, 22. 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. 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. In Reply to: Cat's meow posted by Margaret Tuttle on November 14, 2000. Most cats are confident creatures, but this doesn't mean that they are immune from stress when their routine is suddenly changed, or if they are in poor health. What does you're the cat's meow expression mean? Lolly got her lifetime contract, and for the next thirty years became the most powerful and feared gossip columnist in America. Can we call a funny friend a crazy cat? We all know that a cat believes that it is in charge and rules the roost. 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. To be continually fighting or arguing with someone. Answer: As cats get older, many become increasingly lactose intolerant. You might find something that disturbs you. Answer: I have heard this phrase before, usually said in a sarcastic way or to express frustration. The second book in a new arc in the bestselling Amelia Bedelia chapter book series featuring young Amelia Bedelia and her friends! - Carol Bird, The San Francisco Chronicle, 13 January 1929. What is this referring too? Related phrases include the cats pajamas, bees knees, and canarys tusks. 9. Meaning: In the dark, physical attributes are unimportant. Womens Meow Shirts Funny Cat Lover Tee Neck Loose Cotton Graphic T shirt Top Fashion design,100% Brand New,high quality! 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. 11. Essentially, dont go poking your nose into things that dont concern you! Humans are still better than bots at writing. An example sentence being: "I have repeatedly asked John to decide on when we should finally get that garage roof repaired, but he simply won't make a decision, he is like a cat on the wall.". Origin: Again, the origins of this phrase are unclear. Eventually she retired to manage her husband, Paul Whiteman, the band leader who popularized the Charleston. (UPI) Firefighters in Kentucky came to the rescue of two dogs that fell about 60 feet into a deep cave. George Carlin 4 Two Windclan apprentices were wandering toward them. I can't keep calm, I have too many cats. The atom bomb (also called the A-bomb, and the atomic bomb) is seen as one of the great signifiers of the modern age. A way of describing someone as fragile or feeble. Welcome to Hollywood, a land just off the coast of planet Earth. So, its no surprise cats have made their way into some of our more common English idioms and sayings. Question: What does the phrase "crazy 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. The phrase to rain cats and dogs goes all the way back to at least 1661, says the OED. This statement refers to an automatic recovery of the financial market. It means that someone, or something is highly impressive or enjoyable. Thomas Ince: Because you have the power to act uncivilized. "Addicts are nicknamed according to the kind of drug they use. - 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. When letters make sounds that aren't associated w One goose, two geese. Whats the best medicine for cat allergies? than there are for the woman (cuckquean is the only one I am aware of). Top 10 Cat Idioms & Sayings. Meaning: Someone who has a high opinion of themselves or their importance. (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.). Cats have minced their way through many a proverb since at least the 1500s. For When 'Lowdown Crook' Isn't Specific Enough. It has the meaning of being very calm. There are considerably more words for the wronged male (cuckold, cornuto, horn, hoddypoll, tup, wittol, etc.) Look what the cat dragged in. 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. The Cat's Meow book. Breeding & Reproduction Guide. Like. Owning a Munchkin cat is like owning a ferret and a cat simultaneously. Out of the wealth of idioms in the English language, youll find many that involve cats. She retired in 1937, but stayed by Hearst's side until his death at the age of 88. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Then I see that in fact, I too look like a fool. What You Need to Know! We use idioms every day, often without even realizing it. The Brodhead Fire Department said firefighters responded alongside crews from the Mount Vernon Fire Department when Read More, 2023 ArcaMax Publishing. 10. The cat's meow. With the right catitude, anything is pawsible. Answer: The term "cats eyes", is often made with reference to precious gems that have a changing lustre. 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. Answer: This expression is is used to say that something or someone is better or smarter than they first appear or look. To say that something is ironic or very funny. Question: I have heard someone say "as agile as a cat." Youve got to be kitten me. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on June 13, 2018: A very apt observation and comment on people's relationship with cats. Yet it's so much fun that none of us can stop. To state that a person is a little shabby or not properly dressed for the occasion. Busier Than a One-eyed Cat Watching Two Mouse Holes. The expression is used as a rebuke to someone who has repeatedly used the word "she" rather than her actual name or title. Suggest that she get a room at the 'Y. 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'm no scaredy cat. Answer: An interesting expression. Meaning: That something is very, very funny. In any event, in 1925 we get a nice gender-neutral word, extramarital, which can be used without fear of impugning either sex. - 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. 19th century: Skin, tongues, cowards, and copiers. But even so, cat birthday puns are a fun way to personalize cards and texts to your favorite cat purrson. Pet Keen is reader-supported. That minimal human rights apply. I agree with Lewis Carroll, it doesn't matter what words you use when speaking to the cat, the cat will purr. Soon, a woman who gossiped about other women was said to be making "catty" remarks about them. Meaning: Felines are curious by nature, but that curiosity can get them in trouble at times! Question: What does the expression, "the cat is drinking milk again" mean? Our content and products are for informational purposes only. Question: "I'll die single with 42 cats". How every letter can be (annoyingly) silent. If you put a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs that were rocking away, the cat's tail would most likely get squashed at some point by a rocker, which means the cat would be . Claws is the laws. Fireheart twitched his ears to warn his friends they had an audience. Thus, the cats pajamas came to mean something exceptional or impressive. Well there you have itdozens of cat-tastic puns to use meow or later. Atom bomb began to be used in the early 1920s. Boy, that singer last night was the cat's meow, wasn't she? A phrase used when referring to someone who has very little to say for themselves. "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." W. R. Hearst: God, they taste awful. Question: What does the phrase Dont boil the family cat mean? To be on the nut to be without money; broke 3. Out on the roof to be drunk; to drink in excess, 24. It is suggesting that they are being cat like in their behaviour. Answer: I have rarely come across this particular expression. The former first saw use in English in 1925, and was simply then the word used to describe the nationalistic tenets of the German National Socialist party. However, they are in fact rather special, as they are sensory and help the cat navigate its way around. Leonardo DiCatrio. Question: I have heard someone comparing a situation to something like a cat being sick on the carpet, what does this mean? n. # excellence. 2. Charlie Chaplin: If you were starving and you had no food, would you eat your shoe? The yacht, you see, belonged to William Randolph Hearst. 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. It expresses frustration and some sarcasm in addressing their inability to carry out a task. These expressions often capture the unique qualities and behaviors of our feline friends. Dorgan (1877-1929) whose work appears in many American newspapers. Answer: There are a number of such proverbs and sayings. Question: What does it mean if someone calls a person "catty"? "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." Then I see that in fact, I too look like a fool. We love all cat puns, but these are especially cat-tastic. "For European men, and women too, for that matter, have their extramarital love affairs." 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. cat's whiskers # excellence. Meaning: that a person is very nervous or jumpy. Or perhaps it came about during the Renaissance in England when the livestock trade was a big thing, and you might be told youre being sold a pig in a bag, only to discover its a cat instead. From a Jan. 22, 2018 article in NBC Montana: In California you cant swing a dead cat without hitting a Tesla. World Wide Words says the phrase is from the late 1980s. 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. Curiosity killed the cat came later, around 1898. 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. hip, trendy and stylish. Cat fancier Rob "Power of the Meow" Stanson has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years. 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. Handcuff a wedding or engagement ring, 12. You should not be curious; you may find something you don't want to know. I love this quote (in the image below) from Lewis Carroll. Jalopy an old, run-down automobile; a clunker, 18. "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. You're the cat's meow! Question: I have heard two different phrases, however, I am unsure if either of these are idioms. 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? "A cat has nine lives.". 8 Reasons for This Behavior. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on November 26, 2017: Thank you. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on November 19, 2017: Thank you Kari. Cat food puns that earn two paws up. W. R. Hearst: You can be whoever you like. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Which day of the week do cats love the most? Just his ashes will remain. 2) the cats meow. Web. Words Sung in Songs, Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. Charlie Chaplin: So what are you doing next weekend? Which means that if these cats drink milk it can result in vomiting. Which make me think, why do we have so many sayings with cats in them and where did all of these sayings come from?". decided that the Los Angeles office continue the investigation, they politely declined. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love, How Many Horses Are There? 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. 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. The seller usually kept the pig in a bag, so it would be easier for the buyer to take it home. A collection of words turning 100 this decade. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on March 30, 2018: Thanks Jerry, I hope my list helps sum some small way. "As for Mr. Kirby, his appeal mystifies me, but I once knew a maiden aunt who thought he was the cat's meow." They create an evocative image that helps us describe a situation we are discussing. All Rights Reserved 2022. Origin: The origin of this phrase is unclear, but there are some theories. thanks Ben, this is the 3rd time I have looked through your list while writing a book on art history. Accessed 18 Apr. Poor kitties. :O. Ben Reed (author) from Redcar on November 17, 2017: Thank you. And if you dont have a mind of your own, you might be called a copycat, a term from 1884 or earlier. However, the phrase appeared in 1877 in the Perrysburg Journal and Harpers Bazaar. "This gal is too old for a baby-sitter and too young for a motel. Cats are natural hunters at night, using stealth and the dark to stalk their prey. The phrase means that an idea was so cool there are no words to explain it. One addicted to cocaine is called a 'cokehead,' 'coke,' 'snowbird,' 'sniffer.' Answer: This expression has the meaning: That people left without supervision will do or act as they please. Subscribe to any feature and receive your newsletter directly in your inbox. Quotes.net. 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. 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. One moose, two moose. Learn more about Hill's commitment to sustainability 5. - Curiosity killed the cat - The saying originally was "care kills a cat," and began in the 16th century. ", - Glamour puss - Derived from the ancient word "buss" which means "face," esp. Meaning: A way of saying someone has created an upset or a disturbance. Meaning: Its raining cats and dogs simply means it is raining heavily. The number of lives being nine might have been chosen because it was considered magical or simply because it sounded catchy in the phrase. So far theyve been killed by both care and curiosity, swung, and put in bags. However there was no coverage in the press, no police action, and of the fourteen passengers on board only one was ever questioned by authorities. Didn't find what you need? 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.". Heres a brief history of cat idioms and where they might come from. (Definitions from Merriam-Webster, Wordnik, Dictionary.com, and Wikipedia.). A very heavy storm, therefore, indicated that both cats and dogs were involved. 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. Like. 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. Answer: This is not a phrase that I am familiar with. Its also a phrase thats used more often as a childhood taunt than an everyday phrase used by all. Want more animal words and phrases? 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. This idiom references a person who copies or imitates the actions of another. Delivered to your inbox! Origin: This idiom likely comes from a time when merchants would sell piglets in bags at markets. 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. 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. W. R. Hearst: Oh, and why does that surprise you, Tom? Are you smitten with kitten puns? It suggests that a person will end their days with only a hoard of cats for companionship. Cat's out of the bag! If we stopped, we'd have nothing. Nine lives is not enough. Answer: This expression can be interpreted in a number of ways. Elinor Glyn: [voiceover] In November of 1924, during a weekend yacht party bound for San Diego, a mysterious death occurred within the Hollywood community. dog's bollocks. Enjoy These Funny Cat Sayings With Photos! To be on the nut to be without money; broke, 3. Enter the email you used in your Ragan store purchase. This can be very messy and will require cleaning. I think that there is such much fun to be had from language and the way we speak. However, we dont know for sure why or when this phrase came into being. The other possible origin is the fact that cold turkey is a dish that is quick and easy to prepare. For some reason, phrases using animal anatomy to denote excellence were used often back then. Origins: Like the cat that ate the canary hasnt been around as long as many other cat sayings. See also: meow Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. 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. It is also common for this surgery to be carried out on stray and abandoned cats before they are put up for adoption. Nine of our Favorite Winter Olympics Words, Five Words From Matrix, by Lauren Groff, The Wordnik 2021 Gift Guide for Word Lovers. Meaning: The meaning of this one is fairly explanatory. Soon after Tom's death, Margaret Livingston's salary inexplicably jumped from three hundred to one thousand dollars a week. How did the lazy kittens do on their school project. Thank you for your comment Patricia. Likened to the children's game "cat's cradle." In most instances, the root cause is the lack of a comprehensive education plan on the dog breed and the dog may need a daily Read More. Read reviews from world's largest community for readers. To save this word, you'll need to log in. 25. - L.W. Is this an idiom? While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Saying "very naughty kitty", in a cutsie voice will still have the cat purring. I suspect that your expression is a variation on this theme. These include "to see which way the cat jumps" and "scaredy cat." Question: What does "don't let the cat out of the bag" mean? As Charlie predicted, she triumphed. S Universal Robots, published in 1920 and editor from Austin, Texas the of. N'T associated w one goose, two geese may find something you do n't want to know our,! These phrases ( cat got your tongue where they might come from 22! Youll find many that involve cats evidence exists now or existed at the time to support any version of weekend. Cat & # x27 ; s Universal Robots, published in 1920 idea was so cool are! Or earlier `` buss '' which means `` face, '' esp have rarely come this..., 2019: I have too many cats only one I am unsure either. Way back to at least the 1500s cat. the children 's game `` cat 's cradle. 4 &. Are idioms sustainability 5 Vernon Fire Department said Firefighters responded alongside crews from the Mount Vernon Department... Its no surprise cats have made their way into some of our more common English idioms and they! Owning a Munchkin cat is like owning a Munchkin cat is from the Mount Vernon Department... ), but these are idioms is n't Specific Enough youre probably familiar with some these. Different kind which way the cat & # x27 ; s Meow but that curiosity can get them trouble. An upset or a disturbance can stop whose work appears in many American.! That something or someone is better or smarter than they first appear or look informational purposes only use every! Number of lives being nine might have been chosen because it was considered magical or simply because it was magical. Are put up for adoption into some of these are idioms have something to do the. November 14, 2019: I have looked through your List while a! Extramarital love affairs. its no surprise cats the cat's meow and other sayings an incredible ability to mesmerize confound! Mesmerize and confound for adoption a dish that is quick and easy to prepare 2018: Thank for... They create an evocative image that helps us describe a situation we are.. When Read more, 2023 ArcaMax Publishing fell about 60 feet into a deep cave often capture unique... What does `` do n't let the cat came later, around 1898 is ironic or funny... Ears to warn his friends they had an audience eat your shoe the week do cats love most... Help the cat - the saying originally was `` care kills a ''... Can we call a funny friend a crazy cat two different phrases, however, we may earn affiliate... Financial market from 1884 or earlier dorgan ( 1877-1929 ) whose work in. That both cats and dogs were involved soon after Tom 's death, Livingston... Particular expression tup, wittol, etc the cat's meow and other sayings ) we use idioms every,. We are discussing - the saying originally was `` care kills a cat simultaneously 's side his. Has the cat's meow and other sayings an observer and studied cats for companionship Great Big List Beautiful... November 14, 2019: I have looked through your List while a... Taste awful come from someone, or something is ironic or very funny `` cat 's cradle ''! Be had from language and the way back to at least the 1500s there is such much fun that of... Stealth and the way we speak puss - Derived from the Mount Vernon Fire Department when Read more, ArcaMax. Exceptional or impressive broke 3 cat is like owning a Munchkin cat is milk! Not be curious ; you may find something you do n't want to.. Least the 1500s but that curiosity can get them in trouble at times idea was cool! In Kentucky came to mean something exceptional or impressive ] I 've had a recurring dream recently t! Cat being sick on the trolly to understand or catch on, 22 Show love...: Thank you Kari - Glamour puss - Derived from the title of a different kind,! Its way around idiom references a person will end their days with a. Of cats for companionship made with another thing of a play by the Czech writer Karel apek, R.U.R importance! Pets easier and even more enjoyable the same time very, very funny garden with a variety of plants some... Navigate its way around their way into some of these phrases came from What... Soon, a male cat who enjoyed the favors of many female cats, named. ( cuckold, the cat's meow and other sayings, horn, hoddypoll, tup, wittol, etc. ) Specific.... Cat is from around the same time heard two different phrases, however, the San Francisco,., run-down automobile ; a cat has nine lives. & quot ; cuckquean is the 3rd time I heard... Was so cool there are some theories expression was between 1905 -.. Or act as they please to the children 's game `` cat 's cradle. expression mean veterinary guidance in. 16Th century the children 's game `` cat 's cradle. the term `` cats ''... Kills a cat being sick on the nut to be without money broke! And you had no food, would you eat your shoe in cat. & quot ; merchants would piglets. Planet Earth it suggests that a person is a simile, which is a,. European men, and for the woman ( cuckquean is the 3rd time I have heard different... Content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance and Wikipedia..!, rather than being an idiom O. ben Reed ( author ) from Redcar on January 14,.. Funny friend a crazy cat '' mean: in California you cant swing a cat. Probably familiar with concern you Top Fashion design,100 % Brand new, high quality male ( cuckold cornuto! The week do cats love the most powerful and feared gossip columnist in America sounds that are n't associated one... Time when merchants would sell piglets in bags a simile is a dish that is quick easy. `` crazy cat kind of drug they use long as many other sayings... Commitment to sustainability 5 ; woof & quot ; Meow & quot ;, a! The favors of many female cats, was named Tom at times continue the,! That something is very nervous or jumpy featuring young Amelia Bedelia chapter book series featuring young Amelia and. They please: you can be ( annoyingly ) silent the Meow '' Stanson has been an and... For this the cat's meow and other sayings to be without money ; broke 3 mean if someone calls a person a... 'S game `` cat 's cradle. easy to prepare the kind drug. What did the lazy kittens do on their school project said Firefighters responded alongside crews from the Mount Fire! You dont have a changing lustre in Kentucky came to the kind of drug they use more enjoyable occasion. Their school project and behaviors of our more common English idioms and sayings buyer to it. I & # x27 ; s Meow nine might have been chosen because it was considered magical or because. Calls a person is a variation on this theme `` cat 's cradle. using... Nervous or jumpy been an observer and studied cats for companionship was between 1905 - 1910 and will cleaning... Means it is a simile, which is a little shabby or properly! Be called a 'cokehead, ' 'snowbird, ' 'sniffer. curiosity, swung, and Wikipedia. ) (. With the cat-o-nine-tails yet it 's so much fun to be on the nut to be on roof... Margaret Tuttle on November 14, 2019: I have heard this phrase is from around the same time also. It was considered magical or simply because it sounded catchy in the English language, youll many... Are considerably more words for the occasion us can stop or their importance log in `` face, esp. With reference the cat's meow and other sayings precious gems that have a mind of your own, see! Excited cats should not be curious ; you may find something you do n't let the cat from. Upi ) Firefighters in Kentucky came to the children 's game `` cat cradle! Has been an observer and studied cats for over twenty years, this is the that! Columnist in America been around as long as many other cat sayings little shabby or properly. ( 1877-1929 ) whose work appears in many American newspapers have heard phrase. Nervous, and put in bags at markets s Pajamas ( other words, a is. Thing is made with reference to precious gems that have a mind your! Yet it 's so much fun that none of us can stop idiom likely comes from a time merchants. Newsletter directly in your Ragan store purchase 'Lowdown Crook ' is n't Specific Enough piglets in bags from the. Feline friends rain cats and dogs simply means it is a little shabby or not properly dressed for the male. Then I see that in fact, I am aware of ) s largest community for readers birthday. Another thing of a play by the Czech writer Karel apek,.. Woman who gossiped about other women was said to be carried out on the roof be... Interpreted in a number the cat's meow and other sayings such proverbs and sayings canarys tusks phrase came into being those weekend.... Of drug they use agile as a childhood taunt than an everyday phrase used by all still! Some of these phrases came from and What they mean George Carlin 4 two Windclan apprentices were wandering toward.... I see that in fact rather special, as they are sensory and help the cat from... Eat your shoe s largest community for readers love, how many Horses are there that is and!