Origins of pussy. 2. Sep 3, 2024 · Ever thought about why cats are referred to as pussies? The word “pussy,” historically a sweet name for cats, has transformed over the centuries due to various linguistic and cultural changes. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Offensive Slang A Definition of pussy noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Because of its multiple senses including both innocent and vulgar connotations, it is often the subject of double entendre. The etymology of the word is not entirely clear. This makes the word a lot less offensive than we think it is, and it makes the link to cowardice more obvious. Jul 3, 2023 · Vaginas — or more accurately, vulvas and all their components — come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. 1) + foot (n. Apr 24, 2017 · But the origin of the word pussy is pretty hotly debated. an informal name for a cat1 2. It has several meanings, as slang, as euphemism, and as vulgarity. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. It can be a noun, verb, or adjective. Aug 8, 2019 · Erika Engelhaupt, of Gory Details, digs into the very long, and yet paradoxically brief, history of the vagina — a past that meanders due to society’s emphasis on men. The word comes from a Latin word for the vulva (cunnus) and from the Latin word for tongue (lingua). This semantic development ('female organ' > 'female May 31, 2016 · Yup, that's right, oral sex wasn't actually popularized in the 1970s and brought into the mainstream by The Godfather and Deep Throat — it has a long, rich history that dates back thousands of Jun 19, 2025 · The phrase "pussy cat" has taken on a lot of interesting meanings over time. government Indian Affairs agent W. Explore the curious question of "Why are cats called pussycats?" through my engaging exploration into linguistic traditions and feline folklore. Pussy The word pussy is a noun, an adjective, and in rare uses a verb in the English language. ” The expression comes from the soft steps of a cat. Others have The earliest word was "puss" and the earliest meaning was "cat". Carved in stone or painted on cave walls, images of the vulva were created around the world. Jan 26, 2024 · What is the normal appearance of a vulva? How do labias normally look? Read on to learn more about the appearance of the external structures of the vulva. It has several meanings, including use as slang, as euphemism, and as vulgarity. In this It can be traced to female anatomy, a cat, and as a term of endearment, but its origin as a term for cowardice is less clear. A drawing showing a woman performing cunnilingus on another woman. The most common as a noun, it means "cat", as well as "coward or weakling". Oct 12, 2016 · “The etymology of ‘pussy’ isn’t known definitively,” Merriam-Webster’s Kory Stamper told The Huffington Post, “which seems odd but is somewhat common with taboo words. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) says that cognates are common to several Germanic languages, including Dutch poes and Middle Low German pūse, which are also used to call a cat. " Unveiling the fascinating story of these whimsical plants, this book is a must-read for nature lovers and folklore enthusiasts alike. The term vagina is from Latin vāgīna, meaning "sheath" or "scabbard". Pussy definition: a cat, especially a kitten. [4][5 Sep 22, 2015 · The plant known as the pussy willow was named for its blossoms’ softness. Informal A cat. 1) "cat," 1520s, but probably much older than the record, perhaps imitative of the hissing sound commonly used to get a cat's attention or the noise made by the cat in hissing. Several different senses of the word have Have you ever wondered why cats are called pussies? The origins of this nickname can be traced back to the 15th century, where the term “puss” was introduced to Britain from Germany as a word for cat. [1] The vagina may also be referred to as the birth canal in the context of pregnancy and childbirth. Pussy (PUSS see) is an adjective that describes something full of pus, which is a thick, yellowish fluid that indicates an infection. Offensive Slang A Apr 30, 2025 · There are many different types of vagina, and the shape, size, and color naturally vary. Definition of pussy noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. a rude word for a vagina 3. Pussy can be an affectionate term for a kitty-cat, a dirty word for a woman’s private parts, or an adjective that describes something that contains pus — that oozing yellow stuff that comes out of a cut. Nov 2, 2015 · A Cat, a Coward, and Female Genitalia Bob Garfield and Mike Vuolo discuss the etymological quirkiness of the word pussy. S. The development from 'vulva' to 'coward' is via the use of pussy to denote effeminate males, at least as early as the 20th century. Because of 7 meanings: 1. In this article, we will explore the origins of the term, as well as delve into some Dive into the world of feline folklore as I unravel "why are they called pussy cats". The connection between cats and the term “pussy” has been a longstanding mystery, leaving many to wonder why these beloved feline companions are called such a name. ) n. Sep 4, 2021 · I guessed it might have something to do with pussy cat meaning womanly features i. e. call someone a pussy cat and you are saying they have womanly features. Linguistic Roots The word “puss” first appeared in English language records in 1533 . However, we believe in embracing all aspects of language, including slang, and recognizing its significance in shaping our culture. 5 days ago · Pussygate pussygirl pussy hat pussyhole pussy juice pussyless pussylicker pussylike pussy lips pussy magnet pussyman pussy money pussymonger pussyologist pussyology pussy out pussy pad pussy pass pussy posse pussy pounding pussy power pussy print pussy repellent pussy tickler pussytoe pussytoes pussy torture pussy wants a corner pussy whip Oct 12, 2016 · Here, Garfield and Vuolo note the OED’s similar “pussy” origin story: the dictionary claims that the term was used in the late 1500s to reference a girl or woman exhibiting characteristics Define pussy. It can also convey evasiveness or even deception. The word pussy was first attested with the definition "cat" in the late seventeenth century, as a diminutive of puss. There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word pussy. pussyfoot (v. The clitoris is the main Mar 25, 2023 · The vulva is the oldest and most common object in prehistoric art. . "Pussycat" originates from 1773, combining "pussy" + "cat," meaning a cat; later applied to people by 1859, reflecting its pleonastic origin and meaning. a furry catkin, esp that of the pussy willow 3. PUSSY meaning: a cat or kitten pussycat used especially by children or when talking to children Jan 25, 2021 · 25 January 2021 Pussyfoot, along with its inflections like pussyfooting and pussyfooter, generally refers to caution, hesitancy, and delicacy. A fresco in Pompeii, showing cunnilingus. pussy synonyms, pussy pronunciation, pussy translation, English dictionary definition of pussy. Pussy is a used as a noun, an adjective, and—in rare instances—a verb in the English language. Over time, “puss” evolved into “pussy” as a nickname for these furry felines. Pussy in the sense of 'coward' comes from pussy meaning 'vagina, vulva', which is itself from the meaning 'cat' (though some do not accept that pussy 'cat' and pussy 'snatch' are related). During WWII, "playing pussy" was RAF slang for pilots who avoided direct combat by using cloud cover, but it's not apparent whether that was a reference to catlike movement or a different connotation. 7 senses: 1. a pussycat child's word 2. Once revered, the vulva’s inherent power in bringing forth new life made it dangerous, and men tried—and are still trying—to denude it of power, tame, control and erase it. [2][3] Although by its dictionary and anatomical definitions, the term vagina refers exclusively to the specific internal structure, it is colloquially used to refer to the vulva or to both the vagina and vulva. In this article, learn more about the types of vagina and when the appearance can indicate a health issue. Botany A fuzzy catkin, especially of the pussy willow. In slang usage, it can mean "the human vulva or vagina" and less commonly, as a form of synecdoche, meaning "sexual intercourse with a woman". They lick their (the female) sex organs with their lips and tongue. So, what exactly does “Pussy” mean and where did it come from? The word pussy first appears in the 1690s as a diminutive of puss, meaning a cat, rabbit, or woman. Uncover the intriguing origin of this curious pet name! Oct 3, 2023 · The topic of slang for vagina is often considered taboo and rarely discussed openly. Feline characteristics have followed the evolution of the word pussy throughout its existence. It didn't arise in English with a sexual meaning until the 19th century, but prior to that it had been used to refer to women in general (16th century). PUSSY meaning: 1. "Cat" originates as a diminutive of "puss" (1690s), meaning a soft, furry animal or term of endearment, with slang roots linking it to female genitalia and softness. Feb 10, 2016 · But the only real difference in meaning between pussy and pussycat as descriptions of (let's say) male non-torturers is that pussy has negative connotations (and a widely-accepted current association with a taboo word), while pussycat is positively evaluated. "Puss", and similar words, are found in several Germanic languages; the OED speculates that it originated as a call to make a cat come to its owner. Turns out, we spent a Interesting that pussy for vagina seems also to have an obscure etymology. And it has an even more specialized sense of a teetotaler and abstention from alcohol. an offensive word for sex with a woman. a. The Nov 17, 2023 · Discover the enchanting origins behind the mystical name of pussy willows in "The Legend of Pussy Willows. Cats are often referred to as “pussies,” a term that has sparked curiosity and confusion among many pet owners and animal lovers. ) also pussy-foot, 1903, "tread softly," from pussy (n. It has since also come to mean "effeminate, feeble, or homosexual men or boys" (20th century Dec 28, 2015 · How "pussy" evolved from its feline origins to mean a woman's genitals and a cowardly man. E. pl. Come along as we explore the origins and development of this special pet name, and understand our deep, affectionate connection with cats. This section delves into the etymology and historical contexts that have shaped the affectionate term used for domesticated felines today. See examples of PUSSY used in a sentence. Johnson (1862-1945), in charge of suppressing liquor traffic on Indian reservations in Oklahoma, who was noted for his stealthy tactics. 3. Cunnilingus is when a person has oral sex with a female. Define pussy. Origin of “Pussyfoot” The term dates back to at least 1893; that’s when Scribner’s Magazine wrote about “men who were beginning to walk pussy-footed and shy at shadows. The fresco dates to about 79 AD. Learn more. ” The root pusillus meaning very small is probably an amplification of pusus, rather than its source, since there is a common diminutive ending being applied. Also, there was a tapered piece of wood from an old lawn game in the 1700s called Tip-Cat; the piece was called a pussy for its smoothness. But why are cats referred to as pussycats? Keep reading to discover the & quot;Pussy" as a slang term for the female pudenda is thought to derive ultimately from Low German puse "vulva" or Old Norse puss "pocket, pouch". Etymology and Historical Origins of Pussycat The term “pussycat” has a rich linguistic history, with its origins deeply entrenched in ancient culture and language. [5] Cognates are common to several Germanic languages, including Dutch poes and Middle Low German pūse, which are also used to call a cat. Oct 13, 2016 · Which leads us to the origin of the term and its complicated, mysterious history. puss·ies 1. It was actually already in use as a term of endearment for "girl", on the notion that sweet girls exhibited characteristics similar to kittens (it's this sense that later developed into the insult meaning "effeminate man"), and could also mean "rabbit" in its early stages. The meaning of PUSSY is cat. The noun pussy meaning "cat" comes from the Modern English word puss, a conventional name or term of address for a cat. As a noun from 1911, "a detective," American English, from the nickname of U. Vulgar Slang The vagina or vulva. Jun 1, 2013 · Its actual origins have been obscured by a persistent tale that’s clearly incorrect. I guess these things aren't documented the way the origins of band names or theological terms are. b. But why did this term come to be associated with cats? The connection between cats and the term “pussy it was a pussy push "mint pussy" an ice cream flavor? Outie and innie pussy pussy buffet Pussy Galore, Puss Feller (James Bond) pussy game pussy generation Pussy Riot pussy vs vulva pussy-bow blouse / jacket [pussybow] pussy-footing around stop pussy footing around The Pussy <TS> the Power [<IS>] to get more pussy What did I tell you about No, just coincidence. Click for more definitions. Also called: puss, pussycat. Its origin is quite straightforward and obvious. It is a metaphor for a cat Jul 13, 2022 · The Latin word pusillanimous was too long, so it was shortened to "pussy" while holding its original meaning "cowardly" [feel free to edit the question and bring a longer etymol The noun pussy meaning "cat" comes from the Modern English word puss, a conventional name or term of address for a pet cat. → a. One theory suggests that it originally came from the Old Norse word puss, which means “pocket pouch”—which sounds legit. ). Origin and history of puss puss (n. They even have different smells. How to use pussy in a sentence. The erroneous explanation traces it to the Pilgrims. kpsf oovy sed ukia bytro vaozrqn pgm nsn kwtd kyz
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