A Michael Broad Blog
I’ll quote from Dr Desmond Morris’s book CATWATCHING: “A description of the impact of a severe city storm, written by Jonathan Swift in 1710, supports this view [the death by drowning of stray cats and dogs after a storm in cities where there was poor drainage]: ‘Now from all parts the swelling kennels flow, …
The saying “no room to swing a cat” is commonly used to describe a very cramped or confined space. Its exact origin is somewhat debated, but there are two main theories: As I mention in the infographic, I very much favour the naval origin as it makes far more sense. It is obvious why …
More: Sayings and superstition Long-hand explanation: The phrase “having kittens” to describe someone who is extremely upset or anxious likely originates from older superstitions and expressions related to cats and childbirth. One theory traces it back to medieval folklore, where it was believed that pregnant women who were startled or frightened could “give birth” …
The answer that I have provided is simple and straightforward. You’ll probably see different answers to the question because the exact origin is a bit of a mystery still. I trust this one as it comes from Dr Morris writing in his book ‘Catlore’, although I knew this answer already. In the 1920s and …
There is currently a big debate about Critical Race Theory (CRT) – an academic framework which examines race and racism. It’s a very complicated issue but advocates of CRT link animal welfare and/or the lack of it with their theories. And therefore, to discuss race and racism and CRT is indirectly to discuss animal …
Although the idiom has been explained a million times, I don’t think there are many infographics on this so here is one that I have just prepared. ‘Idiom’ – a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g. over the moon, see the light ). There …
So, you’ve thought about buying an exotic pet cat as you are fascinated by the wild cats. The phrase ‘exotic pet’ includes pet wild cats. Actually ‘pet wild cat’ is an oxymoron as wild cats do not make pets as this video shows. A pet is a domesticated animal that is kept primarily for …
There are 2 parts to the article. Please read the entire page as I believe the updating second part to be more accurate but the origin of the word ‘moggie’ is still somewhat up for discussion after all these years in use. The first part is by an appreciated visitor to the site. Michael …
