WordGarden.iopussycat
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈʊsɪkˌæt/
US
- /ˈpʊsiˌkæt/
Meanings
Noun
a cat, especially a pet cat spoken of affectionately
an affectionate term for a person
a gentle, harmless, or easily managed person
Beyond the definition
"Pussycat" most often means a pet cat, especially one seen as soft, gentle, or sweet. It can also describe a person who seems kind, harmless, or softer than they first appear. For example, a man who looks stern at first might turn out to be "a real pussycat" when you speak with him.
The word can also be used as a loving nickname, often in a playful or old-fashioned way. In most cases it sounds warm rather than rude. Still, when used for an adult, especially in the wrong setting, it can sound overly familiar or a little patronizing. Context matters.
"Pussycat" is a warm, informal word for a cat, especially one imagined as soft, calm, friendly, or easy to love. It often brings to mind a house cat resting on a lap or moving around quietly at home. This is the most common and most direct meaning of the word.
The word is also often used for people. If you call someone "a pussycat," you usually mean they are gentle, harmless, kind, or softer than they seem. It is often said about someone who looks strict, tough, or unfriendly at first but turns out to be warm and mild. In that sense, the word is not mainly about weakness. It is more about softness of character.
It can also work as a term of endearment between people, especially in romantic, playful, or old-fashioned speech. In those cases, it usually sounds tender. Still, because it is very informal and personal, it may sound silly, dated, or patronizing if used with the wrong person or in a formal setting. So the safest understanding is this: it usually refers either to a cat or to a person with a gentle nature, and its tone depends strongly on who is speaking and where.
Examples
- 1
Pet animal
The little boy sat on the floor and played with the pussycat for an hour.
- 2
Gentle person
Everyone expected the new principal to be strict, but she was a complete pussycat.
- 3
Affectionate address
"How are you feeling now, pussycat?" her grandmother asked.
- Usage
pussycat can be a warm, informal way to address someone you care about
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- pussycatnoun