Definition

1. 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

1. marked by or arising from malice
   • a catty remark