Pronunciation: [tˈabi] (IPA) 
The word "tabby" is spelled with the letters T-A-B-B-Y. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be spelled /ˈtæbi/. The first syllable is pronounced like the word "tab", with a short "a" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound, like the word "bee". This word refers to a type of domestic cat with a distinctive coat pattern, and can also refer to a type of fabric with a similar striped pattern.
Tabby can be defined as a type of domestic cat characterized by its distinctive coat pattern. This coat pattern consists of stripes, spots, or swirling patterns on a background color, typically a sandy or grayish tone. These patterns are a result of the agouti gene, which causes variations in the pigmentation of individual hairs. A tabby cat typically has a striped pattern on its face, usually referred to as the "M" mark, and stripes on its body, legs, and tail.
In addition to their coat pattern, tabby cats are known for their various temperaments and personalities. They are generally regarded as affectionate, playful, and intelligent, making them popular pets for many people. Tabby cats can be found in a variety of breeds, including the American Shorthair, Maine Coon, and British Shorthair.
The term "tabby" can also refer to a type of fabric or texture. Tabby fabric is characterized by its plain weave structure, in which the weft threads go over and under the warp threads in a consistent pattern. This type of fabric is usually lightweight and can be made from various materials, such as silk, cotton, or wool. Tabby texture, on the other hand, typically refers to a rough, ribbed appearance or feel, resembling the pattern seen in tabby cats' coats or the weave structure of tabby fabric.
• An old name for silk watered or figured; a mixture of lime, gravel, &c., and water, forming a mass which, when dry, becomes very hard; a cat of a tabby colour; an old maid, or elderly married lady who is a gossip.
• Brindled with dark-grey or black, like the waves of watered silk-applied to cats.
• To brindle; to cause to look wavy, as watered silk.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "tabby" originates from the French word "tabis", which was derived from the Arabic term "attabiya". "Attabiya" referred to a silk taffeta fabric from the Attabiy district of Baghdad, known for its striped or watered pattern. Over time, the term "tabby" expanded its meaning to encompass not only the fabric but also cats with a similar striped or mottled pattern on their fur.
