Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of freshwater fish: A catfish is a bottom-dwelling fish, typically found in freshwater environments in Eurasia and North America. It is characterized by long, whisker-like sensory barbels around its mouth.
   • A type of large marine fish: In a different context, a catfish can refer to a large, predatory deep-sea fish found in northern waters, known for its strong teeth.
   • The flesh of such a fish as food: Catfish also refers to the meat from certain scaleless fish, particularly from the southern United States, which is commonly consumed and farmed.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Freshwater fish):
  • We caught a large catfish in the river.
  • The catfish uses its barbels to locate food in the muddy bottom.
• Noun (Marine fish):
  • The fisherman told tales of a fierce catfish that lived in the deep ocean.
• Noun (Food):
  • For dinner, we had fried catfish with hushpuppies.
  • Catfish farming is a major industry in several states.

Advanced Usage

• "To catfish" (Verb, informal): This modern, slang usage derives from the noun but has a distinct meaning. It refers to the act of creating a fake personal profile on a social networking site to deceive someone.
  • He discovered his online girlfriend was trying to catfish him.
  • The documentary explored the dangers of being catfished.

Variants and Related Words

• Catfishing (n, informal): The act or practice of deceiving someone online using a fake identity.
  • She was a victim of catfishing.
• Catfish (v, informal): As shown in the advanced usage.

Synonyms

• Freshwater fish: Bullhead, horned pout (for some species).
• Marine fish: Wolf fish (a potential synonym for the large, toothy variety).
• Food: Whitefish (in a general culinary context).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Like a catfish in mud": An informal simile suggesting someone is comfortable in a messy or unclear situation.
  • He navigates the bureaucracy like a catfish in mud.
• "Slicker than a catfish": A colloquial phrase meaning very smooth or clever, often in a deceptive way.
  • That salesman is slicker than a catfish.

Noun

1. any of numerous mostly freshwater bottom-living fishes of Eurasia and North America with barbels like whiskers around the mouth
2. large ferocious northern deep-sea food fishes with strong teeth and no pelvic fins
3. flesh of scaleless food fish of the southern United States; often farmed