Cat got your tongue?
/kæt ɡɒt jɔːr tʌŋ/
Definition
The meaning: Cat got your tongue? is an idiomatic expression used to ask someone why they are silent or not speaking, often in a situation where they are expected to respond.
La signification: Cette expression idiomatique est utilisée pour demander à quelqu'un pourquoi il reste silencieux ou ne parle pas, souvent dans une situation où une réponse est attendue.
Note: This phrase is often used playfully or sarcastically to prompt someone to speak. Its origin is unclear, but it may relate to the idea of a cat stealing someone's tongue, leaving them speechless.
Word Analysis
French synonyms » Tu as perdu ta langue ? » Pourquoi tu ne dis rien ? » Tu es muet ? » Tu ne trouves pas les mots ? » Tu es sans voix ? » Tu es resté bouche bée ? [Il a gardé le silence toute la réunion, comme si un chat lui avait volé la langue.]
English synonyms » Lost for words » Speechless » Tongue-tied » At a loss for words » Mute » Silent [When asked about the mistake, she just stood there, as if a cat had got her tongue.]
Example Dialogue
Thabo: "Why aren't you answering? Cat got your tongue?"
Lerato: "I'm just shocked, I don't know what to say."
Thabo: "You usually have an opinion on everything!"
Lerato: "Not this time... I'm completely speechless."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase "cat got your tongue?" has uncertain origins, but it is believed to have emerged in the 19th century. One theory suggests it may have originated from the idea of a cat stealing someone's tongue, leaving them speechless. Another theory links it to the cat-o'-nine-tails, a whip used for punishment, which could leave victims too terrified to speak. Regardless of its exact origin, the phrase is now widely used to playfully or sarcastically question someone's silence.
Audience
The phrase "cat got your tongue?" is informal and often used in a playful or teasing manner. It is commonly used in casual conversations to prompt someone to speak or to comment on their silence.
When to use: Use this phrase in informal settings when someone is unexpectedly quiet or hesitant to speak. For example: "You've been quiet all day—cat got your tongue?" It is not suitable for formal contexts, as it can come across as too casual or even sarcastic.
Dictionary Meaning
Wiktionary says the expression is to ask "Why is someone not saying anything." Here's an example of use the dictionary provides: 'Why won't you tell me that secret? Cat got your tongue?'
News Snippet
"On the heels of Harris’ aggressive debate performance Tuesday against former President Donald Trump, Pritzker chastised Trump for not answering the moderators’ questions and changing the subject 'when he gets caught in his lies and called to account.'
'What’s the matter, Donald?' Pritzker asked. 'Cat’s got your tongue?'"
Read the full article at Des Moines Register
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WordReference
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Common Idioms and Expressions
Cat got your tongue?: A playful or sarcastic expression used to ask someone why they are silent or not speaking, often when a response is expected.
Example: "You’ve been quiet all day—cat got your tongue?"
Lost for words: To be so surprised or shocked that you cannot think of anything to say.
Example: "When she revealed the news, I was completely lost for words."
Speechless: Unable to speak, often due to shock, surprise, or strong emotion.
Example: "His apology left me speechless."
Tongue-tied: Unable to speak clearly or coherently, often due to nervousness or embarrassment.
Example: "I got so nervous during the presentation that I was completely tongue-tied."
At a loss for words: Unable to think of anything to say, often due to surprise or confusion.
Example: "When he proposed, I was at a loss for words."
Mute: Completely silent or unwilling to speak.
Example: "She stood there, mute, as the accusations were thrown at her."
Bite your tongue: To refrain from speaking, often to avoid saying something inappropriate or hurtful.
Example: "I wanted to argue, but I decided to bite my tongue instead."
Clam up: To suddenly become silent or refuse to speak, often due to nervousness or fear.
Example: "Whenever the topic of his past comes up, he just clams up."
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