Pussy
/ˈpʌ.si/noun
A colloquial term for a cat, often used affectionately.
Did you know?The word 'pussy' is believed to be derived from 'puss', which itself is linked to the Latin word 'pūnica' meaning 'of the Phoenicians', who worshipped the goddess Astarte, symbolizing fertility and sexuality.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
pussy
“A term of endearment for a cat.”
Old French
French
poussin
“A young animal or chick.”
Middle Dutch
Dutch
poes
“A cat.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*pūsa
“A term for a female cat.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pu̯eis
“To swell or to be soft, referring to the softness of a cat.”