I was talking with a friend recently and we got to wondering how it was that women became associated with cats, or cats with women, and how ‘pussy’ came to be used as slang for vagina. I thought you might have some information on the history of this and that it was worth asking your thoughts on the subject.
One theory about “pussy” for the female genitalia is that it’s derived from the Old English pusa, meaning purse; some languages do use words referring to a container, such as “vagina” (from the Latin for “sheath”). However, other languages do use their own words for “cat” to refer to either the pudendum, the vagina or both (in France it’s chatte [“pussycat”], in German Muschi [“house cat”]). And in some countries, other small furry animals serve the same purpose. I suspect it’s just part of the nearly universal human tendency to attach “cute” nicknames to the genitalia, and what better term for the female variety than something small, furry and pettable? Consider the cat’s tendency to purr when stroked, and I think we probably have our explanation (though the common equation of moody feminine behavior with moody feline behavior may also have something to do with it).
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Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
Speaking of pussies, whatever happened to Nancy?
Question: is there a less-technical (or more informal) synonym for “vagina” about which I could safely assume that the vagina’s owner would not find offensive?
I ask because the sex workers with whom I have spent time have never referred to my equipment as a “penis;” they seem universally to call it a “cock.” In those bedroom moments that seem to call for some robust language, I feel a little foolish when delivering compliments about a woman’s “vagina,” but it seems to me that all the common substitutes are often used pejoratively. I brought this up recently with my regular provider (pausing from my enjoyment of the Holy of Holies to do so), but she wasn’t helpful, saying that whatever term I wanted to use was fine with her. She seemed sincere, so I stayed with “vagina.” Any alternative suggestions would be appreciated.
“Vagina” does not refer to the parts you’re probably trying to compliment, unless you’re praising her tightness. Using “vagina” to mean “vulva” is as ridiculous as using “esophagus” to mean “mouth” (“you have a beautiful, kissable esophagus”). “Pussy”, by contrast, can mean any of a woman’s equipment, internal or external, and I’ve never to my knowledge known a whore who found the term offensive.
Thank you! I had been erroneously thinking of the vulva as being part of the vagina — a subassembly, so to speak — but that’s not correct, as I now see. Once again, the internet is helpful in correcting one of my misunderstandings. Oddly enough, I’d never really thought about what specific part of her anatomy I was praising, other than the wet, soft, tasty parts, which is pretty much all of it, I think.
And if “pussy” won’t offend, then “pussy” it shall be. Again, thanks.
Using “vagina” to mean “vulva” is such a pet peeve of mine. I can’t really think of a good argument for why it matters, but… I just wish people would use the right word, dammit!
It’s a HUGE peeve of mine, too!
DITTO, DITTO, DITTO!
I suspect that, for me, it’s because it somehow epitomizes the misinformation, inhibitedness, and inexcusable naivety which largely underlies too-many people’s narrowmindedness and fear toward all things sexual and sensual.
Funny.. In Bulgarian we use “squirrel” 🙂
Wow, that give a whole new meaning to “Hey, look a squirrel!”. 🙂
“Beaver” used to be popular but I haven’t heard it use lately. Again a furry animal albeit usually wet.
Late for the train today, but I would be remiss if I didn’t treat you young whippersnappers to this wonderful old song on the subject by R. Crumb and the Cheap Suit Serenaders.
More interesting is the association with fish. People persist in saying that pussy tastes like fish, when it tastes nothing like it.
The reason is religious iconography, the pointed oval, the “gate of life” symbolise the female. There’s a reason why Mother Mary is patron saint of sailors, why Christians use that fish sticker, why a bishop’s mitre is shaped like it is. Nothing whatsoever to do with secret signs they used to escape the notice of the romans.
I rather like the term “pussy” for female genitalia, although we must be mature and use the word “vagina,” that IS its proper name. I like “pussy” better than the C word that rhymes with “blunt”, it’s so harsh and mean, and sex is supposed to be fun.
Actually, it isn’t.