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 does refer to the art of preparing catfish, so named because of its long whiskers. The skin of the fish is very tough and unpalatable; it must be removed before cooking.
It’s nice to know that the animal we have all come to know and love is not being skinned, although fish have feelings too. The recent public statement by PETA that lobsters feel pain once they are submerged in that boiling pot of water certainly brought my world of favorite foods to a new level of guilt and crushing non-enjoyment.
Alas and alack, a fish is not a cat even though that sort of rhymes. Perhaps one of its problems is that it is a verb as well as a noun. It can’t compare as a pet in terms of companionship and loyalty because by its very nature, it is always wet and preoccupied with staying that way. Still, they have their endearing ways and fish lovers, please do not take offense.
So enjoy your cat and don’t worry about his or her skin. Down through the ages both skin and cat have taken very good care of each other.
Do YOU know of other cat expressions? Please share.
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