pussy

Overview

Meaning Now

• A pet name or endearing term for a cat.
• A slang term for the female genitalia (vulgar).
• A weak or effeminate person (slang, disparaging).

Journey

The term began as a variant of 'puss' or 'pussycat'. By the 17th century, it was used to address women affectionately. The transition to a vulgar anatomical term is a classic example of semantic shift where a cute or soft term is applied to genitalia, similar to other animal-based slang, though the specific transition date to vulgarity is poorly documented due to the nature of prohibited speech in printed sources of that era.

Evolution

1. 16th century

   pussy

   “a cat”

   Used as a pet name or term of endearment.

2. 17th century

   pussy

   “a woman or girl”

   Used as a term of endearment for a person.

3. 19th century

   pussy

   “female genitalia”

   Became highly vulgar; likely influenced by the association of 'cat' with feminine attributes or older slang terms.

Connections

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Related to pussy

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