Why Are Cats Called Pussycats? A Brief History of the Term

We might have moved away from the term ‘pussycat’ when referring to a feline, it went through the process of relating to cats, then relating to ladies, then becoming a 2000s girl band sensation!

But where did the terminology come from? We have a little 411 on this term so you can understand how it came to be what it is today.

Pussycat in Reference to Four-Legged Feline Friends

The term “pussy” might seem like a naughty word these days due to the offensive undertones. But did you know that it is a noun that actually means cat? The term “puss” was commonly used all the way back to the 1500s.

“Puss” comes from the Germanic root word for cat. So it quite literally translates to its intended purpose. How did the term evolve into pussycat? We don’t know. That’s just how language changes over time.

For example, it was argued in 1913 in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary that “pussy” was a version of “pursy”—meaning “short-winded” or “fat”. But traditionally speaking, this term was coined for cats. So, they are definitely the originators.

Pussycat in Slang

Pussycat is a very well known slang term. It began in the 17^th century but rose in popularity in roughly the 1950s and is even still occasionally used today. Pussycat was simply a term used to describe young girls and women. Often, it signified modesty or gentleness.

However, there are other ways pussycat can be used—generally marking a sexually attractive woman back in the day. Men would use this term much like “doll” or “dame.”

tabby cat walking outdoor and looking back — Image Credit: Gunnar Rathbun, Shutterstock

Pop Bands

Don’t you wish your girlfriend was hot like me? The term Pussycat can easily be linked back to all the kids that grew up through the early 2000s. The Pussycat Dolls was a pop band of women whose songs will get stuck in your head in a New York minute. There was also the show Josie and the Pussycats that first aired in the 1970s about an all-girl rock band.

Other Animals

Interestingly enough, in both English and German, pussy was a word that also referred to rabbits or hares. In the 19th century, it was commonly referred to as anything that was soft or furry. Even the genus of tree called a pussy willow was named after its fluffiness.

Conclusion

Now you know a little more history on the term pussycat. While it was traditionally used for our furry feline friends for millennia, it has certainly taken on some interesting turns. This word has certainly made a mark on human history.

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