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 word concur that it came into popular use in the 1800s and that it first appeared in print in 1911. Others claim that its origins are related to the old maritime days when the cat-o-nine-tails whip was used as punishment for insubordination. It’s not difficult to imagine someone rendered speechless after being whipped with one of those nasty things!
Another possible and equally dramatic explanation of the term may have its roots in the ancient world. In the Middle East, it was a traditional practice to remove the tongues of liars and feed them to cats! It can only be imagined if the Romans went more than a step further by throwing the whole bodies of Christians to the lions just for a bit of fun. What other means of diversion was there in the days of their barbaric rule and before the film crew of Ben Hur needed to borrow the Coliseum?
Whatever the truth, “cat got your tongue” is certainly one of those idiomatic expressions that gives one cause to pause for a moment. I also try not to be talkative around my five cats. They might get the wrong idea and well, you can imagine, how I would finish that sentence!
Isn’t language fun? Do YOU know of any other expressions featuring felines? Please share.
Related Articles:
“To Let The Cat Out of the Bag”
http://blogs.families.com/admin/b2browse.php?blog=28&p=11287