the cat’s pyjamas: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘the cat's pyjamas’ mean?
The idiom "the cat's pyjamas" means something or someone that is considered to be wonderful, outstanding or excellent.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning an unrealistic or unattainable desire/expectation, often used to convey someone wanting something that is impossible to obtain.
According to my extensive research and knowledge about idioms, I have gathered several facts regarding the idiom "the moon on a stick." Here are the key facts:
The idiom "the cat's pajamas" is used to describe something or someone who is highly admired, stylish, or impressive. It conveys a sense of excellence or being top-notch.
The idiom "the cat's out of the bag" means that a secret or hidden information has been revealed or made known to everyone, often causing surprise or a negative outcome.
The idiom "the bee's knees" means that something or someone is exceptionally excellent, impressive or of high quality.
The idiom "that's saying something" is used to highlight a statement that is particularly noteworthy or impressive, often because it exceeds expectations or goes against common assumptions.
An idiom used to emphasize the extreme or exceptional quality of someone or something.
The idiom "that ever walked on two legs" is a colloquial expression used in American English. This idiom emphasizes the exceptional qualities or characteristics of someone or something. It is often used in a hyperbolic manner to convey a sense of awe, admiration, or astonishment.
The idiom "take the cake" means to be the most extreme or extraordinary in a negative way. It is used to express surprise, disappointment, or disapproval about something or someone's actions or behavior.
The idiom "take one's hat off to" means to show admiration or respect for someone's achievement or actions.
The idiom "take one's hat off to" is a commonly used phrase in English. It is often used to express admiration, respect, or praise for someone's achievements or actions. The phrase dates back to the early 19th century and has its origins in the custom of removing one's hat as a sign of respect.
The idiom "sweet dreams" means to have pleasant and enjoyable dreams during sleep. It is often used as a way to wish someone a good night's sleep, hoping they will have positive and happy dreams.
The idiom "Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes" refers to one's best or finest clothing, typically worn on special or formal occasions, such as going to church. It implies dressing up to show respect or make a good impression.
Opulent Significance Unveiled
The idiom "the cat's pyjamas" is believed to have originated in the 1920s during the jazz era. This popular phrase quickly gained traction in the United States, but its precise origins remain unclear. It is thought to have emerged from a time when slang terms were frequently created and used by the younger generation.
One theory suggests that "the cat's pyjamas" refers to the fashionable attire worn by celebrities and socialites in the 1920s. These pyjamas were not the typical sleepwear, but rather a stylish and extravagant version that represented high fashion and sophistication. The phrase "the cat's pyjamas" was used to describe something or someone who epitomized coolness, trendiness, or excellence.
Another possibility is that "the cat's pyjamas" is a playful twist on the popular idiom "the bee's knees." During the same period, "the bee's knees" was used to express admiration or approval. It is likely that "the cat's pyjamas" emerged as a creative variation of this phrase, showcasing the inventiveness of language users in that era.
Regardless of its exact origins, "the cat's pyjamas" became widely known and used in the United States, firmly establishing itself in the English language. It conveyed a sense of great admiration, suggesting that the object or person being referred to possessed an exceptional quality that set them apart from others. The juxtaposition of the relaxation and comfort associated with a cat's pyjamas with the dynamic and fashionable nature of the jazz era contributed to the idiom's unique charm.
Over time, "the cat's pyjamas" became synonymous with excellence, often used in a playful or ironic sense. However, its usage has somewhat diminished in recent years, making it more of an archaic idiom that may be unfamiliar to some. Nevertheless, the idiom's rich history and infectious charm continue to captivate language enthusiasts and provide insight into the ever-evolving nature of idiomatic expressions.
The idiom "the cat's pyjamas" reflects the limitless creativity and linguistic ingenuity of language users in the jazz era of the 1920s. Although its precise origins may remain a mystery, its enduring appeal and distinctive charm endure. This idiom serves as a testament to the fascinating nuances of the English language, offering a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the early 20th century. While its usage may have diminished over time, the legacy of "the cat's pyjamas" lives on, reminding us of the infinite possibilities and joy that idiomatic expressions bring to our language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "the cat's pajamas" can be used in a sentence:
- She thinks she's the cat's pajamas just because she won a local beauty pageant.
- He struts around with his new sports car, acting like he's the cat's pajamas.
- Don't let their flashy outfits fool you, they're not necessarily the cat's pajamas when it comes to talent.