KILKENNY CATS Meaning and
Definition
-
Kilkenny cats is a term that originated from an old Irish folk tale and has been adopted into the English language to represent fierce and relentless combatants. It refers to cats from the city of Kilkenny, located in southeast Ireland, which were believed to possess extraordinary fighting abilities.
In a broader context, "Kilkenny cats" is used metaphorically to describe individuals or groups engaged in a prolonged and relentless battle or dispute, often resulting in a mutually destructive outcome. The term is typically used when referring to contentious or combative situations, where both parties are fiercely committed and refuse to surrender or compromise.
Just as the origin of the term suggests, "Kilkenny cats" illustrates an intense and unyielding nature, embodying the spirit of relentless fighters who refuse to back down or give in despite the potential negative consequences. The image painted by the phrase showcases a vigorous and unrelenting struggle, where both parties are likely to exhaust themselves and ultimately achieve little or no success.
The metaphor of Kilkenny cats has found its way into various contexts, such as politics, business, and personal and professional relationships. It serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of stubbornness and encouraging the importance of finding common ground and reaching amicable solutions for the benefit of all parties involved.
Common Misspellings for KILKENNY CATS
- jilkenny cats
- milkenny cats
- lilkenny cats
- oilkenny cats
- iilkenny cats
- kulkenny cats
- kjlkenny cats
- kklkenny cats
- kolkenny cats
- k9lkenny cats
- k8lkenny cats
- kikkenny cats
- kipkenny cats
- kiokenny cats
- kiljenny cats
- kilmenny cats
- killenny cats
- kiloenny cats
- kilienny cats
- kilkwnny cats
Etymology of KILKENNY CATS
The term "Kilkenny cats" originates from an Irish legend and refers to a historic rivalry in the city of Kilkenny, Ireland. In Irish folklore, it is said that in the 17th century, two cats in Kilkenny engaged in a fierce and prolonged fight, clawing and biting each other so aggressively that only their tails remained intact in the end. This story gained popularity and became a metaphor for an intense and persistent fight or conflict.
Due to the association with Kilkenny, the term "Kilkenny cats" began to be used to describe fiercely fighting opponents or rivals. Over time, it expanded beyond its Irish origins and entered the English language as an idiomatic expression for any situation where two individuals or groups engage in a relentless dispute, often resulting in mutual destruction.
Idioms with the word KILKENNY CATS
-
fight like Kilkenny cats
The idiom "fight like Kilkenny cats" means to engage in a fierce and destructive fight or dispute where both parties are evenly matched and willing to fight to the bitter end, just like the legendary cats from Kilkenny in Irish folklore who fought until only their tails were left.
