CATTY Meaning and
Definition
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Catty is an adjective used to describe someone who is spiteful, argumentative, or prone to making snide or critical remarks. It refers to a person who tends to engage in or display behavior characterized by pettiness, malicious gossip, or backstabbing. This term is often associated with females and is commonly used in informal contexts to describe behavior typically observed in certain social settings, such as among friends, coworkers, or acquaintances.
The word "catty" originated from the noun "cat," which is known for its tendency to be cunning and sly. Therefore, when applied to individuals, "catty" implies a certain level of indirectness in their communication style, often laced with subtle or overtly mean-spirited remarks. Additionally, being catty can involve the use of passive-aggressive behavior or employing snarky comments to undermine or belittle others.
Typically, someone with a catty personality will engage in gossip or spread rumors, often targeting specific individuals with the aim of causing emotional harm or social ostracization. This behavior is commonly seen as petty and often stems from feelings of jealousy, competitiveness, or dissatisfaction with one's own circumstances.
Overall, "catty" is an adjective that describes individuals who engage in malicious or spiteful behavior, particularly through the use of insulting remarks, gossip, or spreading rumors.
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A Chinese weight of about 1 1/4 lb.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CATTY
Etymology of CATTY
The word "catty" originated from the term "cat", which dates back to Old English. In Old English, "cat" was known as "catt". The word "catt" was derived from the Germanic language, specifically from the Late Latin word "cattus". It is believed that "cattus" was originally borrowed from an Afro-Asiatic language, possibly Egyptian. The word "catty" itself emerged in the late 16th century and is an adjective derived from "cat". It is used to describe behavior or characteristics associated with cats, particularly relating to slyness, cunning, or spitefulness.
Idioms with the word CATTY
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catty-corner
The definition of the idiom "catty-corner" is when two things or places are situated diagonally across from each other, typically forming a right angle.
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dead-catty
Similar spelling words for CATTY
- cater,
- chatty,
- catto,
- CATT,
- Cathie,
- jetty,
- cast,
- cathay,
- patty,
- kitty,
- Cathy,
- cart,
- Can't,
- caywood,
- Cathi,
- cattie,
- cut,
- Cate,
- cavity,
- coat,
- caddy,
- cathaya,
- Cato,
- cat,
- cot,
- ct,
- Catha,
- Cady,
- cad,
- Cathey,
- cattle.
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