cattish
/'kætiʃ/ Cách viết khác : (catty) /'kæti/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Marked by or arising from malice; spiteful or mean in a subtle, indirect way: Describes behavior, remarks, or attitudes that are intentionally hurtful, often in a sly or underhanded manner, similar to the stereotypical aloof or spiteful nature attributed to cats.
- Resembling or characteristic of a cat; feline: Pertaining to the qualities, appearance, or grace of a cat. (This sense is less common than the "spiteful" meaning).
Usage and Examples
Adjective (Spiteful):
- Her cattish comments about the bride's dress were completely uncalled for.
- The debate turned ugly with personal and cattish remarks from both sides.
- I try to avoid office gossip; it often becomes cattish and toxic.
Adjective (Feline):
- The dancer moved with a cattish grace across the stage. (This usage is relatively rare).
Advanced Usage and Nuance
- Context: The term is almost always pejorative when describing human behavior. It is frequently used to describe verbal cruelty, especially among women, though this usage can be considered gendered and stereotypical.
- Connotation: Implies a certain slyness, indirectness, or passive-aggressiveness, not just open hostility. The malice is often veiled or delivered with a superficial smile.
- "to act in a cattish manner": to behave with spiteful pettiness.
- She was acting in a cattish manner, spreading rumors instead of confronting the issue directly.
Variants and Related Words
- Catty (adj): This is a more common and direct synonym for the "spiteful" meaning of "cattish." The words are often used interchangeably.
- That was a catty thing to say.
- Feline (adj): Pertaining to cats. Used for the literal "cat-like" meaning without the negative connotation.
- She has feline eyes.
Synonyms
- Spiteful: Showing or caused by malice.
- Malicious: Intending to do harm.
- Mean-spirited: Unkind and motivated by pettiness.
- Snide: Derogatory or mocking in an indirect way.
Antonyms
- Kind: Having a friendly, generous, or considerate nature.
- Benevolent: Well-meaning and kindly.
- Complimentary: Expressing praise or admiration.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Cat fight: A fierce argument or fight, especially between women, often characterized by cattish behavior.
- The political debate devolved into a verbal cat fight.
- To have claws: To be capable of being spiteful or harsh.
- She seems sweet, but she really has claws when she's angry. (This idiom relates to the metaphorical "claws" of cattish remarks).
Adjective
- marked by or arising from malice
- a catty remark