Scaredy Cat: Why is that?

Front

What is the definition of a 'scaredy cat'?

Back

According to the Urban Dictionary, a 'scaredy cat' is someone frightened by almost everything.

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Who is credited with coining the term 'scaredy cat'?

Back

Dorothy Parker is usually credited with coining the term 'scaredy cat' in her work 'The Waltz', published in 1933.

Front

What does the suffix '-y' in 'scaredy' signify in English?

Back

The '-y' suffix in English usually changes a word to mean 'something having the quality of' (e.g., rain > rainy; mess > messy).

Front

What is the difference between 'scaredy cat' and 'fraidy cat'?

Back

While both terms refer to cowardly behavior, 'fraidy cat' is typically directed towards a person's cowardly behavior in general.

Front

What did the 2005 APBC case study reveal about feline behavior?

Back

The study collated data on 65 feline cases, revealing that 11% showed fearful or 'phobic' responses, 10% presented aggression towards people, 7% had behaviors caused by medical disorders, and 5% had 'bonding problems'.

Front

Does the term 'scaredy cat' refer specifically to female cats?

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No, the term 'scaredy cat' does not specifically refer to female cats, even though the majority of the cats in the study were female.