There’s More Than One Way To Skin A Cat: Ugh!

Does this idiomatic expression have anything to do with the cat having nine lives? After all, to lose one’s skin is a serious proposition and difficult to recover from even if we are dealing with a creature as resourceful and intelligent as a cat. But where did this expression come from and how is it related to of all things, the world of cooking? The expression, which has come to mean that there is more than one way to accomplish a task, has its roots in seafood cuisine preparation. It is not known exactly how old it is, but it … Continue reading →

Cat Got Your Tongue? Nasty Thought

As we consider the cat’s place in our modern language (for we already know where they stand in our hearts), we become increasingly aware of odd phrases and expressions that surely came down to us from somewhere. Unlike other types of hand-me-downs, some of these metaphors are more obscure than others, and in this case, its exact origins may never be known. Why are you not talking? Have you nothing to say? That is what “cat got your tongue?” has come to mean in modern usage. Although none agree as to where it came from, most historians of the written … Continue reading →

To Let the Cat Out of The Bag

This old saying does seem kind of odd at first glance, and yet it is an expression most of us say very often. But what does it mean? It would appear to be a bit out of context, as cats love to get into bags, as we all know. Not only that, they love to hide in bags even though it is hardly a secret that they are there, as usually their tails, backsides and or paws are hanging out from the open side. Where did this expression come from? To “let the cat out of the bag” or give … Continue reading →

The Cheshire Cat: The Eternal Smile

Although the phrase “grinning like a Cheshire cat” was most certainly publicized by the pen of Lewis Carroll in his immortal children’s classic, “Alice In Wonderland,” the origin of the phrase cannot be exactly accounted for. There are several theories, one involving a gargoyle found on a pillar in St. Nicholas Church Cranleigh where Carroll used to travel frequently when he lived in Guildford. A most likely origin however, concerns the cats that once lived in the port of Chester, near the River Dee, where a big cheese warehouse once stood. A monument dedicated to this creature was placed on … Continue reading →

Animal Folktales: Why Cats Chase Rats

This is a story of how the animals came to be part of the Chinese Zodiac. You may want to tell it the next time you order Chinese food! ~~~ A long time ago, the animals of China were invited to compete for a place in the Zodiac calendar. Twelve spots were open to the first twelve animals to finish a long and difficult race. All the animals were very excited about this opportunity! The one who finished first would be the first sign in the Zodiac; the one who finished second would be the second sign, and so on. … Continue reading →

Animal Folktales: Why Dogs Sniff Tails

A long time ago, when the world was young, there were no dogs. There were only wolves, running wild. It was the mother in the family who took the first wolf puppy, taught it how to be a part of the family, and called it a dog. She told the dog it would be able to do anything it wanted to — with one exception. A dog may not get up on his back legs and dance like people do. This was the dog’s only rule. The dog agreed. Years passed and more and more dogs joined families, and did … Continue reading →