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, July 20, 2018

Words with Webster: Catnap

We have two fun Friday features for you today. First up is Real Cat Webster, who has a sleepy word to share. After that, it’s on to Friendly Fill-Ins!


Words with Webster Words with Webster

Hi, everybody! It’s me, Real Cat Webster. Welcome to Words with Me. Today’s word is “catnap.” I picked this word because today is Nap Day, a day that sure seems made for cats. Anyway, we all know what a catnap is, right? In case you don’t, it is a “very short light nap,” according to my favorite dictionary (Webster’s, obviously [Webster’s Third New International, unabridged, online]).

The Oxford English Dictionary doesn’t have a separate entry for “catnap.” Weird, right? Anyway, they list it under “cat,” along with a whole bunch of other phrases and words that have “cat” in them.  They say a catnap is “a short nap while sitting.”

These definitions make me think that maybe dictionary people have never seen a cat take a nap. When me and Paisley take naps, we don’t mess around with “short,” “light,” or “sitting.” We are serious about it! Maybe other cats do it different, though. Please let us know in the comments if we are taking naps wrong.

cats Real Cat Webster

The OED says that this word has been around since at least 1823, when it appeared in James Fenimore Cooper’s Pioneers:
I just closed my eyes in order to think the better with myself... It was only some such matter as a cat’s nap. (II.xiii.187)
There weren’t a lot of good quotes for "catnap," so that’s the only one I picked to show you.

Obviously “catnap” is a combination of “cat” and “nap.” If you want to know about “cat” (which has been around since at least the year 800), you can read my post on it. “Nap” has been around since about 1300, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. It seems to be related to the Old High German hnaffezan and Norwegian napp.

Maybe this will give you something to dream about while you're taking your nap today!

Friendly Fill-InsFriendly Fill-Ins

And now it’s time for Friendly Fill-Ins, from 15andmeowing and The Four-Legged Furballs. Old SoLT did the first two, and Real Cat Paisley did the next two.

Old SoLT’s answers:
1. I tried  a cricket and I liked didn’t like it. Someone gave me a “Cricket Lick-It” lollipop once and I thought, Well, why not? so I ate it. Let’s just say it turned out to be not my thing. And the tequila-flavored lollipop with the worm inside? Also not my thing!

2. Am I the only one who would actually eat candy with a cricket in it?

Real Cat Paisley’s answers:
3. Garfield is my hero/heroine. All that lasagna!

4. If I could eat only one food for the rest of my life, it would be … You must be crazy. There is no way I could eat only one food. I get tired of everything after one day, sometimes after one serving, so Mommy has to rotate my food brands and flavors a lot.



Reminder!

#PetPhotoFails

Finally, here is your monthly reminder about the Pet Photo Fails Blog Hop, which happens right here next Friday!
So post a couple of those not-quite-right pet photos (we know you have some) and stop by, ready to hop.
We can't wait to see you!

15 comments:

  1. We happen to like words around here and really enjoyed this post! I agree wholecatedly that "closed my eyes to think the better with myself," is really cool and very true for moi. - Tom x

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  2. Cricket!!! I know there is no way I would try that!!!

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  3. Mom says that one of us might eat a lollipop with a cricket in it but she wouldn't. She might try a chocolate-covered one, though! She'd definitely stay away from that wormy tequila one. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer

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  4. I always look forward to seeing what word you've chosen to share with us. Catnap is certainly a purrfect one! We love catnaps around here.

    And thank you for joining in on the Friendly Fill-Ins, SoLT and Paisley! I have to applaud your bravery at trying candy with a cricket in it. That takes dedication, and I admire that. As for lasagna, we'll all take some of that. Garfield is a purrfect hero, especially if he's willing to share his lasagna. Happy Friday to all of you!

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  5. I think your human, Paisley would be the only one to try crickets. MOL! Personally, I've heard they're delish. Webster, who ever heard of napping while sitting up? Are those humans crazy.

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  6. The thought of eating bugs....*shivers*, but The Hubby is sure this is the direction that humans will be going in, for future food. And The Hubby often falls asleep while watching TV, so he's sitting up and sleeping, until I give him a poke in the arm and he says he was just resting his eyes...sure...

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  7. They definitely have that wrong, I find a catnap to be several hours long :) Thank you both for participating in the fill-ins, great answers. I would not try anything like that- ick! I won't even eat broccoli from the garden for fear of worms, I say the more chemicals the better on my veggies. I am glad SALT caters to your food whims and all your other whims too. Have a nice weekend! XO

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  8. Nope, none of my naps are ever short.... well not unless Mrs H disturbs me for supper or I hear a mouse call my name, MOL
    Toodle pips and purrs
    ERin

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  9. I think you're taking naps just fine. Martha (Maggie's cat) and David are pretty serious about their naps, too. The recliner David has is even called a "Catnapper"! Both of them can nap for hours at a time.

    In regards to #1....EWWWWWW on both counts!

    Have a blessed weekend. :)

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  10. Cat naps rock!!! You ate a cricket?!?!?! EEWWW!!! Paisley, we are 100% in agreement with your answers!

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  11. OH MY GOODNESS! That picture of you napping, Webster! Makes me just want to cuddle up with you! We're a big fan of naps around here. Though short ones usually aren't.

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  12. MOL! It’s true, we feline’s would never eat one food for the rest of our lives. We live to make the humans think we like something only to turn up our noses at it after they ordered a carton of the stuff from Chrwy!
    Purrs & Head Bonks,
    Lily

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  13. Not as old as some words but it's nice to see it in context and, with the picture, its the perfect illustration.

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  14. Oh yes, our lives would be way too easy if you cats would stick to one food and be happy with it! Even two....or the same one two days in a row....
    Yes, Old SoLT, you might very well be the only one who would eat candy with a cricket in it. LOL

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  15. I think you might be among the few who would try a cricket lollipop. It would be difficult to limit ourselves to just one food. Great answers. Have a blessed week.

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