the cat's meow

Definitions

• praise
  To describe something as excellent, wonderful, or impressive

• attention-seeking behavior
  To describe someone who seeks attention or admiration from others

Examples of the cat's meow

• Jane's new car is the cat's meow.

  Jane's new car is incredible, outstanding, and the best. It's simply perfect and the best you could possibly hope for; the car that's the envy of everyone who sees it.

• That sunset last night was the cat's meow.

  That sunset was absolutely stunning, breathtaking, and magnificent. The colors and beauty were simply unforgettable and made you feel awestruck.

• This concert was the cat's meow.

  This concert was an incredible experience, unforgettable, and amazing. The music, the performers, and the overall atmosphere created an unforgettable experience.

• This steak dinner was the cat's meow.

  This steak dinner was exceptional, luxurious, and perfect. The food, the ambiance, and the overall experience created an unforgettable evening that left you feeling satisfied and happy.

• She's the cat's meow, absolutely stunning!

  This example is used to describe someone who is the epitome of beauty and perfection. 'The cat's meow' here refers to something that is the best of the best and represents something or someone that is exceptional. Here, this person is the most stunning and dazzling individual that someone has ever encountered.

• The new car is the cat's meow!

  This example illustrates how the 'cat's meow' can be used to describe an extraordinary object too. In this case, the car is something amazing and exciting, making it an incredibly desirable commodity.

• This party is the cat's meow!

  This example shows how the 'cat's meow' can be used to describe an enthralling and amazing experience. Here, an event is displayed as the most exciting and enjoyable occasion imaginable.

• He's so charismatic, he's got the cat's meow!

  This last example showcases how the 'cat's meow' can be used to describe someone who is extremely attractive and appealing in terms of personality. Here, a person is described as someone who radiates charisma and has an irresistible charm.

Conclusion

"The cat's meow" is a versatile idiom that can be used both to praise something as exceptional and to describe attention-seeking behavior. When used positively, it signifies admiration for something outstanding. On the other hand, when used negatively, it suggests someone is seeking attention in an exaggerated or ostentatious manner.

Origin of "the cat's meow"

The origin of the idiom "the cat's meow" can be traced back to the 1920s in America during the Jazz Age. At that time, phrases like "the cat's whiskers" or "the cat's pyjamas" were also popular, all expressing a sense of superiority or excellence. The term likely originated from the idea that a cat's meow is distinctive and attention-grabbing, much like something exceptional or attention-seeking.

This idiom has since become a common expression in the English language, used to praise something as exceptional or to describe someone seeking attention. Its origins in the Jazz Age reflect the lively and expressive nature of the era, where unique and flashy phrases were part of everyday language.