The idiom “cat’s whiskers” is a positive way to describe something outstanding. Its origin is debated, but it has been used since the early 20th century. It is universally positive and can be used to describe romantic attraction, exemplary work, or a child’s achievement. While less common now, it still conveys warm feelings and can be used in private contexts.
Being the cat’s whiskers is a fun and positive way to note that something is considered near-perfect, the life of the party, or otherwise outstanding in a rather mundane setting. The humorous references and images that this particular idiom brings to mind have to do with the versatility of the average cat’s whiskers, including the ability to communicate emotion, relate to one’s surroundings, aid in hunting, and provide perspective in terms of distance measurement.
The exact origin of the English saying cat’s whiskers is debated. Some believe that the term, along with the similar cat meow, has its origin in 19th-century girls’ boarding schools. Others believe the term was first brought to life by Thomas Dorgan, a cartoonist active in the early 20th century. What is generally agreed upon is that by the 1919s both the cat’s whiskers and the cat’s meow were firmly established in the national lexicon in the United States and commonly used as a term of endearment and attraction among young college-age lovers.
Unlike other idiomatic expressions which can sometimes have positive or negative connotations depending on context and setting, cat’s whiskers tend to be universally employed in a positive way. An individual who is romantically attracted to another person may use the term to describe how deep the attraction runs. An employer may use the term to refer to an employee who produces exemplary work, sometimes above and beyond what is required. Proud parents may bestow this designation on children in relation to something they did well, such as performing well in a school play or winning some type of competition. In each application, “cat whiskers” indicates recognition and warm feelings for another person.
While not as commonly used as they were in decades past, references to someone being the cat’s whiskers are still generally considered a good thing. Younger people may sometimes need to be given some sort of explanation of the meaning of the idiom, which can lead to humorous viewing of the use of the phrase. Even those who consider the phrase obsolete and not worthy of being used in public may still use the term to convey emotions of love, pride and respect in private contexts.
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