How Do You Spell HAVE KITTENS?

Pronunciation: [hav kˈɪtənz] (IPA)

The phrase "have kittens" means to become extremely upset or agitated. In terms of spelling, the word "have" is pronounced with the vowel sound /æ/ as in "cat" and the consonant sound /v/, while the word "kittens" is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɪ/ as in "sit" and the consonant sounds /k/ and /n/. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /hæv ˈkɪtənz/. So, the correct spelling for this phrase is "have kittens".

HAVE KITTENS Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "have kittens" is an idiomatic expression common in informal English language usage. It is primarily used to describe a state of extreme anxiety, nervousness, or distress. When someone says they are "having kittens," it means they are experiencing heightened levels of worry, panic, or agitation.

   The origin of this expression is not clear, but it is believed to have been derived from the physical manifestations of a pregnant cat's extreme nervousness. When a cat is anxious about giving birth, it may be observed to display restless behavior, pacing, and exhibiting signs of distress similar to a person feeling overwhelmed. Thus, the phrase "having kittens" has been figuratively adopted to represent feeling highly anxious or stressed in human terms.

   In common usage, the phrase can be employed in various scenarios. For instance, a person might say they were "having kittens" when awaiting the results of an important exam or during a stressful event. It conveys a sense of emotional intensity and heightened discomfort. Overall, the expression "having kittens" communicates a state of extreme anxiety, nervousness, or worry experienced by an individual.

Common Misspellings for HAVE KITTENS

• gave kittens
• bave kittens
• nave kittens
• jave kittens
• uave kittens
• yave kittens
• hzve kittens
• hsve kittens
• hwve kittens
• hqve kittens
• hace kittens
• habe kittens
• hage kittens
• hafe kittens
• havw kittens
• havs kittens
• havd kittens
• havr kittens
• hav4 kittens
• hav3 kittens

Etymology of HAVE KITTENS

The phrase "have kittens" is an idiomatic expression that means to become extremely agitated, anxious, or upset about something. However, it does not have a clear or widely accepted etymology.

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of idiomatic phrases as they often evolve and change over time. "Have kittens" is believed to have emerged during the mid-20th century, but the specific source or inspiration remains uncertain.

One theory suggests that the phrase may have been influenced by the similar expression "have a cow", which means to overreact or become excessively upset. Due to their shared connotation of extreme distress, it is possible that "have kittens" was influenced by this earlier phrase.

Another possibility is that the phrase is a metaphorical extension of the literal experience of a cat giving birth to kittens.

Idioms with the word HAVE KITTENS

• have a cow, at have kittens The idiom "have a cow" is used to describe someone who becomes very upset, angry, or agitated about something, often in an exaggerated or dramatic manner. Alternatively, the idiom "have kittens" is used to convey a similar meaning, expressing extreme worry, fear, or anxiety about a situation. Both idioms emphasize the person's heightened emotional state in response to a particular event or circumstance.
• have kittens To have kittens means to become extremely worried, anxious, or upset about something.