Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Origins of the Term 'Whippersnapper' & An Example of the Opposite

Out of curiosity, I looked up the term 'whippersnapper' and found an interesting origin story. I owe thanks to Phrases.org for the following...

Young layabouts in the 17th century were known by various names, all of them derived from the habit of hanging around snapping whips to pass the time. Originally these ne'er-do-wells were known simply, and without any great linguistic imagination, as 'whip snappers'. This term merged with an existing 17th century term for street rogues - 'snipper snappers', to become 'whipper snapper'.

While researching I stood using a cat tree perch as a sort of standing desk. One level is the ideal height. And Jezebel, not a lap cat, gave me a pleasant surprise by curling up on the sofa inches away. It's funny how she acts all casual about it while often wanting to be near me.

I hope Brad Pitt wouldn't mind
a cat butt in his face.
Isn't it funny how cats like to lay on things (like my messenger bag here)? Do you think they do so because the object smells like his or her slave human?

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11 comments:

  1. SandeeNovember 24, 2020 at 8:25 AM

    I didn't know the origin of that word. Very interesting.

    I do think pups and cats lay on our things because they smell like us, even though they won't lay on us.

    Have a fabulous day, Darla. Big hug. ♥

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  2. Liz A.November 24, 2020 at 2:48 PM

    I read something where the person was tired of the cat on their keyboard, so they got out an old laptop for the cat. The cat seemed to like it.

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    Replies
    1. Darla M SandsNovember 24, 2020 at 6:03 PM

      Nice idea!

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    2. PamNovember 24, 2020 at 9:59 PM

      Oh my gosh Liz, I am having that issue with the new kitten. I have an extra old laptop and there is a thought! Thanks.

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    3. Darla M SandsNovember 25, 2020 at 11:07 AM

      Cool!

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  3. pilch92November 24, 2020 at 8:16 PM

    Thanks for the research, I had no idea where that came from. I often wonder why cats choose certain places to snooze. :)

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  4. PamNovember 24, 2020 at 9:58 PM

    Interesting. When I read that you were researching young whipper snapper, I thought of The Wizard of Oz. Oz, behind the curtain called Dorothy that. haha....Funny how certain words, terms or objects can trigger things in your mind. Yep, Lily comes to be close to me. Esp if I am in the kitchen away from the laptop or the tv, she will come and just hang out. I laugh cause she is one of those where they wish to be close but PLEASE do not touch them....haha

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  5. StrayerNovember 25, 2020 at 3:34 AM

    That's funny, Liz and makes an idea for a whole new genre of decoy cat toys. Interesting post Darla!

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    Replies
    1. Darla M SandsNovember 25, 2020 at 11:09 AM

      Thanks! And I like her idea, too. Be well, my dear.

      Delete

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