A note about The Cuddlywumps Chronicles

This blog is written and maintained by Miss Cuddlywumps, a fluffy-tailed calico cat who is both classically educated and familiar with mysteries. She receives creative input from the Real Cats and clerical assistance from She of Little Talent (old SoLT, a.k.a. Roby Sweet). Comments or complaints should be addressed to Miss C rather than to old SoLt (Ms. Sweet). Ms. Sweet accepts no responsibility for Miss C's opinions.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Words with Webster: More Ways to Say “Cat” Historically, Plus Friendly Fill-Ins

Words with Webster


Hi, everybody! Webster here, with a brand-new installment of Words with Me. Today I’ve collected a bunch more old ways to say “cat.” This list continues the much shorter list I started last year in thispost. Once again, the terms are from Oxford English Dictionary’s Historical Thesaurus, and they’re arranged in order from newest to oldest:

Pussy: (1699) A colloquial term for a cat. Also used as a proper or pet name.
Pussycat: (1698) A cat.
Miaower: (1632) Also miauler, meaning a cat.
Grimalkin: (1630) Used as both a proper name and a common term for a cat. Applied especially to older female cats. Also used as contemptuous term for a jealous old woman.
Tibert: (1616) Used as both a proper name and a common term for a cat.
Mewer: (1611) Meaning an animal that mews, especially a cat. Also mewler.
Puss-Cat: (1529) Meaning a cat or a person who was like a cat.
Baudrons:  (1500) A Scottish name for the cat.
Gib:  (1400) A familiar name given to a cat. “To play fy gib” (to say “fie” to the cat) meant to threaten someone. Later, “gib” meant a neutered male cat. The word has also been used reproachfully, especially when referring to an old woman.
Bad:  (1325) Meaning a domestic or wild cat.
Cat: (800) Meaning a domestic feline.

Friendly Fill-Ins

And now to Friendly Fill-Ins, from 15andmeowing and McGuffy’s Reader. They are a fun way to learn a little bit about the authors of the blogs you read. The first two questions, answered by old SoLT, are from Ellen of 15andmeowing, and the next two, answered this week by Real Cat Paisley, are from Annie of McGuffy’s Reader.

Old SoLT’s answers
1. My favorite kind of cookie is chocolate chip with walnuts.

2. I have no idea who would play me in a movie about my life. I think my life is more suited to a comic book than a movie.


Real Cat Paisley’s answers

3. Love is having a nice person who feeds you and everything and whose lap you can nap on.

4. For Valentine's Day, Mommy is helping me write a very lovely poem, but you’ll have to wait till next week to read it.
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4 comments:

  1. pilch92February 10, 2017 at 9:45 AM

    I guess there are a lot of ways to say cat. Thank you both for your fill-in answers, I enjoyed them. I can't wait to read your poem. Have a nice weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cat and DOG Chat With CarenFebruary 10, 2017 at 10:01 AM

    In France, "cat" is "chat"...didn't know that when I named my blog eons ago, that is partly why I have so many readers located in France. It was one of them who told me that. Thanks for the great info!!! catchatwithcarenandcody

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2017 at 5:16 PM

    This was interesting! Thanks! My life has been a drama, though I learned humour from it. I like your answers! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cathy KennedyFebruary 11, 2017 at 9:11 AM

    Roby Sweet,

    Mmm, chocolate chip cookies with walnuts sound yummy. Sometimes when I make chocolate chip cookies I'll toss in pecan pieces and coconut flakes or I leave out the coconut. Either way, it's a good cookie! I can't wait to read Paisley's poem. Have a good weekend!

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