Definitions
admiration or praise
To describe someone or something as exceptional, outstanding, or highly impressivepretentiousness or arrogance
To mock or ridicule someone who is overly showy or self-important
Examples of Cat's pajamas
The band's latest album is the cat's pajamas.
This idiom is used to describe something that is extraordinary or outstanding. In this example, the speaker is expressing that the band's latest album is exceptional and remarkable.
The restaurant's new chef is cooking up a storm, and the food is the cat's pajamas.
This idiom is used to describe something that is exceptional or outstanding. In this example, the speaker is expressing that the new chef's food is exceptional and remarkable.
The singer's performance was the cat's pajamas.
This idiom is used to describe something that is extraordinary or outstanding. In this example, the speaker is expressing that the singer's performance was exceptional and remarkable.
The artist's latest painting is the cat's pajamas.
This idiom is used to describe something that is extraordinary or outstanding. In this example, the speaker is expressing that the artist's latest painting is exceptional and remarkable.
The athlete's performance was the cat's pajamas.
This idiom is used to describe something that is extraordinary or outstanding. In this example, the speaker is expressing that the athlete's performance was exceptional and remarkable.Note: The origin of the phrase "cat's pajamas" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 1920s or 1930s. It may have been inspired by the slang term "jammies," which was used to describe pajamas. The phrase "cat's jammies" was then shortened to "cat's pajamas." The meaning of the phrase has evolved over time, but it is still commonly used today to describe something that is exceptional or outstanding.
Conclusion
The idiom "cat's pajamas" is used to express admiration or praise towards someone or something, or to mock someone who is being pretentious or arrogant. It is often used in a playful or humorous manner.Origin of "Cat's pajamas"
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 1920s in the United States. During this time, the term "cat" was commonly used to refer to a stylish or fashionable person, and "pajamas" were seen as a luxurious and comfortable clothing item. Combining these two words was likely a way to describe something or someone as the epitome of style and comfort.
Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from an old game called "Cat's Cradle," in which players would use string to create intricate designs on their fingers. The phrase "cat's pajamas" was used to describe a particularly impressive or complicated design.
Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "cat's pajamas" has stood the test of time and is still commonly used in modern English. Its playful and lighthearted nature makes it a fun and versatile phrase to use in various contexts.