Idioms: The Cat's Meow

 

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative, non-literal meaning.

• Their meaning is established through common use and understanding within a culture or language.
• They often add flavor, humor, or imagery to speech and writing.
• Idioms can be difficult for learners of a new language to understand, because their meaning isn't obvious.

 

Roaring Twenties (1920s) The cat's meow (1920s): Meaning "the best" or "the most stylish," this term reflected the cultural fascination with jazz music and its slang.

Example: "Those cloche hats were the cat's meow during the flapper era, perfect for dancing the Charleston."

The Roaring Twenties were a time of cultural change, and "the cat's meow" is a perfect example. Here are some additional details you might find interesting:

• The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it likely emerged around 1920.
• Another popular theory suggests it might have been a playful reference to a cat's actual meow, implying something delightful.
• This phrase went hand-in-hand with another feline idiom of the time: "the cat's pajamas," which also meant "the best" or "most stylish."
• Both phrases added a touch of whimsy and informality to everyday speech, reflecting the rebellious spirit of the era.

So next time you see a picture of a flapper in a cloche hat, you can appreciate not just the fashion but also the slang that went with it!