The “cat” in “catatonic” is derived from the Greek “kata” (κατα), meaning “down”, referring to a diminished, or “down” state of mental activity. It has nothing to do with cats; the word “cat” comes ultimately from the Nubian word “kadis”. κατα is also the source of the “cat-” element in “cataract” (a falling down of water), catalepsy (a taking down) and catastrophe (literally, a falling star). The ancient Greek word for cat was αἴλουρος (aílouros).Catastrophe can also be the award for le belle derierre at the cat show.
margueritem over 13 years ago
Klever Kat…
runar over 13 years ago
The “cat” in “catatonic” is derived from the Greek “kata” (κατα), meaning “down”, referring to a diminished, or “down” state of mental activity. It has nothing to do with cats; the word “cat” comes ultimately from the Nubian word “kadis”. κατα is also the source of the “cat-” element in “cataract” (a falling down of water), catalepsy (a taking down) and catastrophe (literally, a falling star). The ancient Greek word for cat was αἴλουρος (aílouros).Catastrophe can also be the award for le belle derierre at the cat show.
bossyheifer over 13 years ago
“The dog must go….the dog must go….”