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Let the Cat out of the Bag

What is the origin of the phrase “Let the cat out of the bag?”

Let’s play a little game.

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There Are 227 Comments for “Let the Cat out of the Bag”

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  1. wacko76 on May 28th, 2008 1:53 pm

    Actually, there is a German saying about “buying a cat in a bag” (Die Katze im Sack kaufen) which means to buy something without verifying that you get what you paid for. The origin is the same as the english term.

    tedt replied on July 6th, 2008 10:35 am:

    :wink:

  2. sniperskaya on May 1st, 2008 5:39 pm

    What was the cat doing in the bag anyway? Shouldn’t the cat have looked carefully into the bag before getting in, especially if it could have been hazardous to the cat’s health? After all, whenever health is concerned, a cat scan is recommended!

    BillyB replied on May 2nd, 2008 9:53 am:

    my cat can’t resist getting into any bag that it can fit into. also have a cockatiel that loves to get into bags, boxes, cupboards etc. but exclusive of the cat. I also love getting into small spaces, feel safe, warm, even more contented there. So advise to birds etc would be, do a catscan before entering confined spaces. cheers

  3. artlover on May 1st, 2008 2:27 pm

    ok..its #2 switching the cat for the pig…

    in China, only pig and not chicken is considered real meat…no, they would not usually eat the hardworking cow, plus they are too valuable to eat, but pigs are considered lazy, and not so valuable, so OK to eat, unless you are Buddhist of course…and then you would be a strict vegetarian…

    Is it not interesting how we denigrate the animals that are our food and elevate those that are our pets?

  4. mello-g37 on May 1st, 2008 11:51 am

    :roll: its Number 3….there is some horrilbe people Around ……
    Let the CAT out of the bag….comes from when you said number 3 .

    The Word CATSPAW……. A Word nothing to do with CATS !…Catspaw (comics), a fictional member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the Glorithverse
    Catspaw (plant), a small genus of Australian plants in the Bloodwort family Haemodoraceae
    “Catspaw” (TOS episode), an episode of Star Trek: The Original Series.

    In the oxford english dictionary CATS-PAW …..A person used as a tool by another.
    Other words with cat in it…..CATWALK…..catsup…(ketchup)….cattery……catkin…… catseye……catnap……catty…..cats craddle.

    You marina are just Purrrrfect…….you have stolen my heart I want it back……hehehehee…you know they say….A man’s best friend is a Dog….but HE can not go with out a pussy now and again…. :lol: :wink: oxooxoooxoxoxoxooxox

  5. k2_telecards on May 1st, 2008 11:29 am

    Nice looking orator!! Now if there were more teachers with her looks teaching english we could better communicate with each other!!! :smile:

    P.S. What is the origin of the word, “DUFUS”.

  6. biagini2 on May 1st, 2008 9:03 am

    Let the cat out of the Bag: I think it’s #1 even though it was no secret what was going to happen when that cat came out of the bag.

  7. mrchex on May 1st, 2008 7:18 am

    I Choose 1. the nautical definition, because I am familiar with that kind of cat and it just may be right. Fun choice for a quiz

  8. strine on May 1st, 2008 5:14 am

    Hey Marina, thanks for making Linguistics beautiful again…can you discuss words that are their own opposites, ie quantum can mean a great deal (quantum leap) or something very small. How many more in the English language are there?

    Regards from Oz,

    Strine

    PS you have wonderful semantic weights *cough*.

  9. gramps525 on May 1st, 2008 4:48 am

    :mrgreen: I think it’s ancwer # 1. it makes more sence to me.
    PS: your still hot :lol:

  10. warloe on April 30th, 2008 10:51 pm

    Hey lovely teacher :wink: ,

    Can you help m out with this word?
    i saw this word and almost jumped outta my skin
    HEBESPHENOMEGACORONA

    Thanks,
    Petto

  11. chatty_ on April 30th, 2008 8:58 pm

    How did the word ’shampoo’ came about?

  12. dosbomber on April 30th, 2008 7:33 pm

    :sad:

    I sent “Let the cat out of the bag” in via email last December.

    It was the email in which I also alerted you to some places on the web which contained your surname.

    I guess you don’t read your emails. :roll:

    Dos

  13. capman911 on April 30th, 2008 5:44 pm

    Hi Marina,
    I believe its number one. The rest sound a little to far fetched.

    Mike

  14. riprap on April 30th, 2008 4:46 pm

    Hello,

    I have a list of words that I would like you to investigate. I am pretty sure you can have some real fun with these.

    Boner
    Cock
    Felch (felcher, felching etc)
    Cunt
    Flack
    FUBAR
    Whore
    Crap
    Fuck

    I know most of these are sexual in nature. That is because I am a very sexual person. My wife and I are both deeply sexual and sensual, so these are the only words we could cum up with. (puns intended).
    Oh, there is another one. CUM. Please add that to the list.

    Thank you and we love your site.

    RipRap & Serenity

    P.S. We were married on Halloween in a Cemetery. If you would like some pics of our wedding, LMK.

    wordlover replied on May 2nd, 2008 9:54 am:

    Goth alert! :eek:

  15. laneah dutcher on April 30th, 2008 3:59 pm

    I have alot of requests…

    \\//\\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\  \//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\  //\\//\\//\\//

    Happy Camper

    _________________________________________

    Say cheese!(taking a picture)
    _________________________________________

    Hookie.
    as in playing sick to stay home from school…
    _________________________________________

    “as drunk as a newt”…
    Now, having never seen a newt,much less a drunk one, I would imagine that they look and act like any other animal… Unless Kermit the frog started peddlin alchol…

  16. huganerd on April 30th, 2008 2:58 pm

    Hello Marina.

    I would like you to teach me about one of my favorite words. I’d like to be sure I’m using it correctly. The word is…

    Phantasmagorical

    Thank you,
    Huganerd

  17. jonyboy26 on April 30th, 2008 2:43 pm

    Hey Marina,

    Once again GREAT video!

    I was wondering where the word deplorable came from and exactly what it means, because today my teacher told me and my friend that our work was deplorable and I said, I wonder what the origin of that word is.

    Thanks so much Marina

    Jonyboy26

  18. captainjack on April 30th, 2008 2:15 pm

    I love Marina’s little quote of the day.
    “Where are we going, and why am I in this handbasket?” - Bumper Sticker :mrgreen:

  19. geronimo on April 30th, 2008 1:05 pm

    I was just looking at past lessons and watched Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia which reminded me of my phobia, luposlipaphobia. which, as everyone knows, is the fear of being chased by wolves while wearing only socks on a slippery kitchen floor. Oh I guess I should have just submitted that word rather than give it away. Oh well.

    geronimo replied on April 30th, 2008 1:07 pm:

    The cats out of the bag now.

  20. cimska on April 30th, 2008 1:02 pm

    Marina “stop and smell the roses” that could be a good request. no :?:
    :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :roll:

    cimska replied on April 30th, 2008 1:21 pm:

    I am just guessing. i have the idea that you are looking make the right arrangements of the words or phrases that you use on your channel to set the right mood for your audience, So how do i get with your system is my question (putting my request for dopamine up is just one example, if it’s not setting the right mood to make the next video how could i make the adjustments to get with the hotforwords “groove”) Is there some type of “rythme” that i am suppossed to tag my request to?

  21. turtlewax on April 30th, 2008 12:57 pm

    Hi Marina,
    Many people use the word “ones,” like “those ones over there.”
    It’s always bugged me a little since the word “one” is singularly singular. One should say “those over there.”
    Am I wrong? Has the word “ones” officially entered into the lexicon?
    Thanks,
    turtle

    Bob replied on April 30th, 2008 1:55 pm:

    Each one has one’s own way of expressing what one is wondering about. :grin:

    turtlewax replied on April 30th, 2008 2:11 pm:

    indeed :smile:

  22. icedteaisgood1234 on April 30th, 2008 12:52 pm

    wait a second. i just posted the last comment. its spelt “mnemonic” :cry: sorry

  23. icedteaisgood1234 on April 30th, 2008 12:48 pm

    hi marina :mrgreen: i was hoping you could help me find out the origin of the word mneumonic as in mneumonic device for remembering what a word means. i think that would be interesting. well, thank you. i love your videos!

  24. nyagwaispiritbear on April 30th, 2008 12:28 pm

    Too funny

  25. turtlewax on April 30th, 2008 12:28 pm

    I vote for option #1.
    Word request: tow, as in wisp of tow and towhead
    How did this word come to mean so many different things?
    Thanks,
    turtle

    prospero811 replied on April 30th, 2008 12:35 pm:

    Isn’t it “toehead?” (I’m really not sure…)

    turtlewax replied on April 30th, 2008 12:46 pm:

    Hi prospero!
    No, it’s towhead. the idea being that a towhead’s hair is like tow, another name for the hair on corn. it’s actually very descriptive as it describes color, texture, and being tousled.
    the odd thing is that a towhead is also a name for a sandbar.
    and of course, there are tow trucks.
    Maybe (total SWAG coming) the sandbar meaning is also related to the color of both blondes (sandy blonde hair) and sand.
    Maybe the pull something meaning comes from cavemen pulling women by the hair back to the cave.
    btw, can anyone speak to the veracity of that caveman mating ritual?

    turtlewax replied on April 30th, 2008 12:49 pm:

    besides, what would toehead mean? is it what happens when one has stuck one’s foot way too far into one’s mouth? :wink:

    Bob replied on April 30th, 2008 1:51 pm:

    Turtlewax asked, “can anyone speak to the veracity of that caveman mating ritual?”

    No way, mate, I’m not that old. :grin:

    prospero811 replied on April 30th, 2008 12:55 pm:

    I don’t know - for some reason I thought it was “toe head” and I was too lazy to google it…..

  26. barrowraider on April 30th, 2008 11:43 am

    hi
    can you find the orign of the word pirate and/or ninja

  27. manuelpyro on April 30th, 2008 11:21 am

    Hi Marina Could You Tell me the Origin Of Cliche please? Thank you

    -Manuel Pyro

    prospero811 replied on April 30th, 2008 12:36 pm:

    Real men don’t eat cliche.

    manuelpyro replied on April 30th, 2008 1:29 pm:

    Cliche? something is used a lot. or something that everybody uses?
    You don’t Eat it.

    turtlewax replied on April 30th, 2008 2:48 pm:

    Hey Prospero, I thought it was funny. ‘Course, I do eat quiche.

    BillyB replied on May 1st, 2008 9:11 am:

    humble pie is so delicious… ah so chiche :razz:

    prospero811 replied on April 30th, 2008 3:32 pm:

    I know… it’s an obscure joke - turtlewax got it. :lol:

  28. prospero811 on April 30th, 2008 11:16 am

    Interesting “cat” words:

    A “cat cracker” is a chemical reactor for converting oils with high boiling points into fuels with lower boiling points in the presence of a catalyst.

    If a boat is “cat built” it has a bluff bow and straight stern without a figurehead.

    There is a birth defect called “cat cry syndrome” where a chromosomal defect causes a baby to cry like the meowing of a cat, among other things.

    “cat fever”:is a respiratory infection with a fever (panleukopenia).

    To ‘cat foot” is to move in a stealthy manner.

    And lastly — a request….. Marina, would you wear a “cat suit” in your next video? :grin:

    Bob replied on April 30th, 2008 11:45 am:

    She will if you dress up as Batman - no better make that Robin. :grin:

    prospero811 replied on April 30th, 2008 12:38 pm:

    Her wish is my command!

    captainjack replied on April 30th, 2008 1:40 pm:

    Good morning, or afternoon is it. Just waking up and making my first cup of Joe. Is it just me or does the word cat seem to be slightly over used?

    If Marina wears a cat suit in her next video I would freak. :shock: Cat suits are my favorite sexy outfit on a woman. Its like a tightly wrapped package that shows you nothing but reveals whats inside.

    Boy 1:30pm in the morning and all I can think about is cat suits. Im so bad. :twisted:

    captainjack replied on May 1st, 2008 2:33 am:

    Nice! :mrgreen: Now thats what I’m talking about. :cool:

    Second photo didn’t load. I think they discovered your linking.

  29. prospero811 on April 30th, 2008 11:08 am

    Odd meanings of “cat”:

    I never new that “cat” was a British slang word for “vomit.”

    To “bell the cat” means to attempt something formidable, but to “cat around” means to spend one’s time aimlessly.

    A “cat” is a double tripod having six legs but resting on only three no matter how it is set down, usually used before or over a fire, but it’s also a type of shelter used in medieval warfare.

    A “cat” is a slang reference for a man, or any devotee of jazz.

    prospero811 replied on April 30th, 2008 11:17 am:

    err… “knew,” that is…

    Bob replied on April 30th, 2008 11:41 am:

    I never knew that cat was Brit. slang for vomit either and I am a Brit though I’ve spent long periods in the far east and Scandinavia.
    The circles I move in have some rather more picturesque phrases for it like Tiger Tiger, Technicolor Smile, and Pavement (sidewalk) Pizza.

    What is the point of having six legs if you’re only using three of them?
    That means that you have three legs in the air; is that the same as three sheets to the wind?

    I really hope Marina is working hard on a new word or phrase cos I’m getting a little tired of Probie Prospero dogging my steps with his catcalls and catty remarks which he is constantly looking up in his dog-eared dictionary. If he carries on at the same rate I’m going to have to hand the dog watch over to the Captain with a request to lash him to a catamaran until his catawauling subsides. (No offence, Eric)

    prospero811 replied on April 30th, 2008 12:59 pm:

    Well, Bob - you are a bit dogged with your doggerel writing. You roused me from my cat sleep, during which I was catatonic. Don’t turn this cat and dog competition into a dogfight, please!

    :lol:

  30. huisfroiw on April 30th, 2008 11:07 am

    Hi Marina

    Could you tell me the origin of the word “Mafia”???

    I looked for the origin. But I am not as good as you :cry:

    Thank you

  31. chessmarcosz on April 30th, 2008 9:31 am

    Hello Marina! i am Marcos, a new student. I am from Bariloche, Argentina (I hope you have heard about my city). I think the correct answer is number 2, because here in Argentina (sapnish language) we use a similar prhase “gato por liebre” that means sometihng like “Cat for rabbit”. If you want to by a Rabbit the seller can change it for a cat, and fool you.

    Thank for your lessons.
    Yours,

    Marcos

    wordlover replied on May 1st, 2008 2:07 pm:

    I know you meant Spanish, but I like the name Sapnish! :grin:

  32. xot on April 30th, 2008 9:24 am

    Hi Marina. I would like to know the origin of the phrase “The Lion’s Share”.

    Thanks. You are epic.

  33. fishymack on April 30th, 2008 9:20 am

    The correct answer is number 2, scamming people who thought they were buying a piglet. I believe this dates back hundreds of years from the Middle East, where pigs weren’t Kosher.

  34. jon92thebest on April 30th, 2008 8:59 am

    id say its theory #1

  35. tricovictus on April 30th, 2008 8:48 am

    i think is the number one, cuz manu phrases are taking from the old navy way of life

  36. guardianjosha on April 30th, 2008 8:14 am

    I believe that number 3 iss the correct answer but then again i have not always been a good guesser but wll see i a couple of days.
    later

    RED

  37. geronimo on April 30th, 2008 8:07 am

    I will be very surprised if it is number 2, because cats and pigs of the same size don’t weigh near the same, so who would be fooled? But more importantly it would mean that you (Marina) are still sticking to trend of making all the answers #2. I think it is #1. Capt Jacks theory that the fact that is a tool of punishment dis-counts it, doesn’t hold water because, it was the act of admitting guilt. Of course I could look it up, but that would require effort.

    geronimo replied on April 30th, 2008 8:10 am:

    I should have proof read my comment before sending. The act of admitting guilt is what let the cat out of the bag.

    captainjack replied on April 30th, 2008 2:12 pm:

    Interesting concept. True admitting guilt would brings out the cat. There is this little skit the crew did on the Lady Washington that involved gambling with the passengers. The captain would see the crew gambling with the passengers and asked who brought out the dice. The crew would point at any random passenger. The captain said that the passengers did not sign ships articles so they are not bound by the laws of the vessel. So the last person holding the dice ( we where lined up on the rail passing the dice from one sailor to the next) would have to hand it over to the captain. Once placing the dice in his hands he then would order that crew member to be lashed up to the rattlins and to receive 12 strikes of the cat. Of course he could not allow present company to view this punishment and would call out some sort of sail call (order to shift sails). The sailor would then be cut down from the rattlins.
    Admitting Guilt… It could work. But as Marina rules are it has to be documented somewhere and have a date of writing. :smile:

    geronimo replied on April 30th, 2008 4:00 pm:

    OK Capt. The earliest known use of this term was in 1760 in the “London Magazine”. But in 1789 “The Times” paper stated “Sir John Aubrey’s passion has got the better of his prudence - he has fairly let the cat out of the bag to scratch the party.”

    It’s the ’scratch the party’ part of that quote that seems to allude to the cat-o-nine tails. That’s the best documentation I can give you.

  38. kaibanator on April 30th, 2008 7:54 am

    Hey Marina!

    Great video as usual :) I have always wondered what the word ‘torque’ means. I see mentions of the word ‘torque’ on tv and papers, but never a mention on what the word means.

    It would be awesome if you were able to find out the origins of ‘torque’ as i know several people also don’t know what it means.

    P.S. I would also love to be your teacher’s pet :)

    Look forward to seeing your next lesson :)

  39. ivan martin on April 30th, 2008 7:27 am

    Hi Marina & H4W Team,

    I love your lessons - actually I think I love you (only one more of a thousand, I suppose).

    I’m doing a hard job speaking of you everyone I know here, in Madrid, Spain. I hope, sooner than later, we will be hundreds of thounsands of H4W’s lovers.

    So, I have a “spanish” question:

    French people says “Construire des châteaux en Espagne”
    (to build castles in Spain)

    Spanish people says “Construir castillos en el aire”
    (to build castles in the air)

    What is the English one?

    If you build “castles in Spain” too, What’s the origin of this expression?

    Besr regards

  40. melikadothechacha on April 30th, 2008 6:59 am

    OK - this took some analysis and I still don’t know the answer. :shock:

    Parsing the comments was helpful :)

    #1 cat-o-9 tails; sounds viable but is disclaimed by Cpt. Jack.
    - I agree with his analysis (at face value*). Ergo; #1 = NoGo

    *This may be one of those phrases whose meaning has
    changed over a period of time (and it may well be #1!).

    #2 cat/pig swap, pig-in-a-poke: NO WAY a cat is going quietly! :evil:
    So, #2 = NoGo, leaving us with #3; cat escapes from drowning bag.

    Some have argued here that cats were valuable for rodent control.
    True, but not so valuable in large population numbers. :cry:

    My guess, only a guess, would be #3. :idea:

    ’nuff said

  41. trgoblin on April 30th, 2008 6:56 am

    Even though theory number 2 is the correct answer, since you made me teacher’s pet…. my wife thinks that theory number 1 is more appropriate for me… :mrgreen: and she’d also like to have me neutered! :sad:

    BillyB replied on April 30th, 2008 6:38 pm:

    http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=YSyMQv1LOX4
    Congratulations, care to join me, digg it?

    trgoblin replied on May 2nd, 2008 9:11 am:

    Already did!

    captainjack replied on May 1st, 2008 2:36 am:

    Congrats there trgoblin on becoming pet of the day!

    trgoblin replied on May 2nd, 2008 9:19 am:

    Thanks…

    I think I know the secret now… about how she chooses her pets that is, but I’ll never tell. :cool:

    BillyB replied on May 2nd, 2008 9:38 am:

    l’m still tying to figure out the digg thingys’ purpose. I’m old & like figuring things out, but if I knew how it could help or how to use it right… I’m just a confused old pet but there is hope for old pets. Marina’s animals (and I love how she says “animals”) keep popping up from time to time so I prowl, I mean soldier on. Cheers

    trgoblin replied on May 2nd, 2008 10:04 am:

    Digg is a “news” oriented social network that lets you and I give “content” a thumbs up or down. Very much like YouTube, as content gets more popular it moves into the front sections where more users see it. The key difference, is that Digg tends to deal more with news items.

    What makes Digg interesting, is that thousands of bloggers from around the world, use content from Digg, so if they see it and like it, they will post it on their blogs, creating links and traffic back to the original poster’s page. Social Media and Search Marketers refer to this as “Link Baiting”.

    With a well developed “friend” network on Digg, you can help your news items go “viral”.

    wordlover replied on May 2nd, 2008 6:41 pm:

    I use digg for humor! And occasional stunning photos of things blowing up, e.g., nanowires…

    BillyB replied on May 2nd, 2008 10:23 am:

    I’m just starting to digg., Another question. does HFW make $$$ if one were to click on the add links that I try so desparately to avoid? Or does something have to be purchased there before Marina can have a positive cash flow. After al business is business & I gottsa go to work. Later :smile:

  42. hutchiee on April 30th, 2008 6:36 am

    The number two answer would be the answer that is true.

  43. weeder14 on April 30th, 2008 5:47 am

    Love these gues the word games even though I can’t seem to get them right. Anyway, my guess for this one is Number 3. It is sad, but it makes the most sense to me.

  44. canyagrabmiaz on April 30th, 2008 5:47 am

    I would like for you to profile the etymology of the word hypermammiferous (meaning having large breasts :mrgreen: )

  45. mistress9nine on April 30th, 2008 5:19 am

    No idea, but the 2nd one sounds really false and the 3rd would be too easy so my pick is no1

  46. swedehunter on April 30th, 2008 4:57 am

    Hello my dear teacher!

    I´m a bit confused, because the meaning of the frase. To me it´s more like letting out your secret that you think is cool to let people konw about and it turns out you let out more than you could handle.
    Have you ever actually try to do that, letting a cat out of a bag..??? In that case you see that is exactly what happens, it will be hrad to handle!!!
    Of the three theories you have my guess (meaning I don´t really know) is the first one with cat o´nine tales…

    A word request after that
    Atheist - is that really someone who doesn´t believe in a God or is it someone who doesn´t believe in the God that your are “supposed to” believe in in your society? I heard somewhere that word origin from the town of Athen in Greece??

    from your devoted student / Swedehunter

  47. captainjack on April 30th, 2008 3:04 am

    Oh boy a Nautical phrase :mrgreen: Or is it?

    I seen HFW video just as I was walking out the door to teach my evening class. I’ve been eager all evening to respond to this quiz. I rushed home, went shopping, and ate dinner (12 am dinner, yea I have weird hours but for good reason). :neutral:

    Ok I don’t have a clue about #2 or #3. Of what I know of #1 I would not choose it. ooohhh. Captain Jack not picking #1? :twisted: Yes! Because Marina defined Letting the cat out of the bag is letting a secret out. So bringing out the cat of nine tail was not about secrets. It was a tool for punishment.

    There was use of Cats (Multi-strand whips) back in Egyptian times. People believe that this whip was called a cat because of the cat like scratch left behind when used on a slaves back. Cats where used in British Navy for punishment. The first written use of a cat was back in 1695 or 1659 or was it 1665 (damn dyslexia!), and it just a mentioning in a book about love. I should research it and list it in my references. But whats weird is the phrase no room to swing a cat dates back even earlier. I think use of the cat in the British Navy was used long before it was documented. Many earlier documents (ships logs) were lost at sea. Cats were stored in bags and locked up.
    Have you heard the song “What do you do with a drunken sailor?” There is this verse that goes “Give him a taste of the captains daughter” Sound like fun hu? Well Captain’s daughter is also referred to cat of nine tails. You don’t like that song anymore now do you? :mrgreen:

    Ok enough of that. So now I have to pick one of the other two choices. The pig story sound good. I have personal experience with #3 that I don’t care to go into. Sad childhood. :cry:
    Im going cross my fingers and go with #2.

    __(\__~~ …Running from the storm..

    Bob replied on April 30th, 2008 5:46 am:

    Well done, Skipper,
    You made the right choice.
    Now, since I’ve already done the homework for the next video, I getting into the flight simulator and going somewhere warm and sunny.

    Ready for take-off. :smile:

    Bob replied on April 30th, 2008 5:47 am:

    Oh!
    Did I let the cat out of the bag :?: :lol:

    prospero811 replied on April 30th, 2008 10:58 am:

    Perhaps you were busy catting the anchor to the cathead?

  48. aleksandar on April 30th, 2008 2:56 am

    #2

  49. nlsmafia2008 on April 30th, 2008 2:35 am

    Cat out of the bag?? I will have to guess that theory number 1 is the correct choice.

  50. bobsully on April 30th, 2008 2:09 am

    I think it is number 3, but number 1 sounds plausible.

  51. m.philos on April 30th, 2008 1:36 am

    Dear Teacher

    vote for #2
    ( but cheated on that one : by parsing the ‘comments below’,
    #2 became an evidence )

    Kudos for the micro-dramaturgy of your clips -
    if I may give my preference : I really love your ‘Monty Python’ side…
    oh, and also, keep feeding us with blunders : your magnetic field of seduction maximizes when you are natural/ laughing at yourself

    Your respectful student.

    melikadothechacha replied on April 30th, 2008 6:22 am:

    Marina must have production software with macros/presets that allow her to whip :twisted: out her show extremely fast w/o a lot of post work to do.Don’t know if she wrote it or had help, but it works! :idea:

  52. muggins on April 29th, 2008 11:32 pm

    I vote for #4. Once you let the cat out of the bag, you can’t ever hope of putting the cat into the bag again. Thus, if you tell a secret, you can’t untell it. My gramma used to volunteer my pop, when he was a kid, to
    take the neighbor’s kitten’s down to the river in a guinea sack weighted down with rocks and drown ‘em. After a while he wised up and refused
    to do it. “Let ‘em drown their own cats.”

  53. oogalieboogalieboo on April 29th, 2008 11:18 pm

    The cat was a secret weapon. “letting the cat out of the bag” means to reveal a surprise or a secret, like in medieval times when mice would get in your house around autumn so they would’nt freez during the winter, they would then go to market and buy cats, and when they got home they would let the cat(s) out of the bag and it would be a big surprise for the mice??? lol

  54. oogalieboogalieboo on April 29th, 2008 11:07 pm

    Marina

    Here’s a couple. “That’s SWELL”, and, “RASCALS”

    Everytime I hear that it reminds me of the Little Rascals, or an old 1940s gangster movie, like with James Cagney… “Thanks MA, that’s just swell, see. Look, coppers… you ain’t taking me alive, see! NYahhh, see! NyAHHH!!!! lol

    Anyway, “That’s swell!” and “Rascal(s)”

    Oogalieboogalieboo

  55. bcbird on April 29th, 2008 11:01 pm

    I’ve always loved the longest word in the english dictionary: pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, for several reasons. One, I learned it when I was young and kids like stupid things. Two, I could spell it and define it (A disease you get when you breathe in ultra-microscopic particles of sand while digging through volcanic rock).

    So, I would love if you would feature it.

    Chou~

    lividemerald replied on April 29th, 2008 11:08 pm:

    This word is commonly requested not because it’s such a long word but because it is used so extensively due to our obsession with digging through volcanic rock at all hours of day or night. The word is especially used by pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosisphobe s who suffer acute pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosisphobi a. I think there is also a special word for the randomly constructed sand castles that appear in the affected pulmonary tissues…

    lividemerald replied on April 29th, 2008 11:11 pm:

    Some ultra-microscopic sand particles seem to have blaste off the ending s of my word s. That is really annoyin g.

  56. lividemerald on April 29th, 2008 10:58 pm

    If I choose the wrong answer, it will be a cat-astrophe!

  57. stokesjrj1 on April 29th, 2008 10:57 pm

    I say it’s #2

  58. mrkabdrivr on April 29th, 2008 9:30 pm

    Because of how we use the expression, I think the only fitting explanation would be number two, the pig story. It’s the only once about a deception of some sort being uncovered, and that is why we use the phrase, no?
    It’s not about punishement as in answer #1, and I find answer #3 has no relevance watsoever.
    So, definitely #2…
    Cheers! :smile:
    (BTW: I’m a lazy slob! This is a copy/paste of the post I did on YTB… Shame on me!)

  59. bad doggie on April 29th, 2008 9:26 pm

    Dear HotForWords Teacher Miss Marina,
    After deducing that when a pig is poke while in a bag will squeal like a pig and a cat can not squeal like a pig, #2 can not be the answer.
    Knowing a little about felines, who are very valuable creatures for keeping down the vermin population such as rats, mice, moles, voles, etc. #3 should also be a wrong choice.
    This leaves me to choose #1 as the correct reply to your question.
    I’d rather suffer the ‘Cat-O-Nine Tails’ rather than to be ‘Keel Hauled’ :!:

  60. Мастер on April 29th, 2008 9:21 pm

    Здравствуйте Марина,

    Just discovered your website and show the other day. Love it, I can understand why it is so popular!

    I would be interested in hearing the origins of the word “usury” :grin:

    Спасибо,

    Мастер

  61. nbeltran on April 29th, 2008 9:12 pm

    :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:
    Marina;

    I think it would be Theory #2

    I would love to hear the origin of the phrase: “Cover your Six?”

    which is a cool military term?

    or even the origin of the phrase “Top Gun”

    or also the word origin of “newbie ?”

    LOL

    warmly,

    Nelson

    mrkabdrivr replied on April 29th, 2008 9:37 pm:

    “Cover your six” means “Watch your behinds”. As in six o’clock; Noon being in front of you, 9 at your left, 3 at your right.

    Used by combat pilots to indicate to a friendly the presence of an ennemy coming down on him from behind. Extended to ground troops for similar use.

    Cheers!

    nbeltran replied on April 30th, 2008 10:59 am:

    Thanks buddy;

    I was directing the Question to the Philology Expert;
    I already knew what they meant but wanted to hear
    Marina’s PHD speak on it to get Clarity and share
    new phrases with everyone.

    thanks though.

    Ooooh Rahh!

    warmly,
    Nelson

  62. enigmaticzero on April 29th, 2008 9:09 pm

    I’ll take the first option.

  63. labbatt78 on April 29th, 2008 8:59 pm

    I don’t have much to say but I’ll go with #3. That is all.

  64. pairadots on April 29th, 2008 8:52 pm

    I vote for #1 and I would like to request the word “pickle”.

    pairadots replied on April 29th, 2008 9:09 pm:

    P.S. I also request the phrase “going to hell in a handbasket”. Why does the mode of transportation make going to hell worse?

  65. russianboy on April 29th, 2008 8:46 pm

    marina, what is the origin of the word “book”?, i wonder
    http://rapnike.myminicity.com/

  66. navytundra on April 29th, 2008 8:22 pm

    How about the phrase when someone has “the devil to pay”? A hint is in my user name. Also, two of the words in the phrase come from earlier forms of those words. So, in reality, it goes further back than what you find with a google search. Can you handle it? Thanks.

    captainjack replied on April 30th, 2008 3:14 am:

    You mean the Devil and the deep blue sea? Your going to need a bo’sun’s chair sailor and some caulk. :twisted:

  67. wordlover on April 29th, 2008 7:53 pm

    I’ll go with number two.

    No, not that number two! :razz:

  68. caktonias on April 29th, 2008 7:42 pm

    Well I know of the cat-of-nine-tails as some call it, however from what I understand that isn’t really a punishment for simple crimes on a ship as they usually have woven bits of glass in them which are meant to do serious damage.. so no to the first I think..

    As for the cats actually being in the bag, well that just seems too easy. And besides, drowning litters of kittens used to be a common way to keep the population of feral cats down, not that I approve in any way but I hardly see them making a saying out of it.

    And so I will go with the most wacky answer as that seems to be the best choice when it comes to the “guess the word origin game”, and I will say it was a piglet that used to be kept in a sac, but shady dealers would switch them for cats to make a profit.

  69. saratoga on April 29th, 2008 7:40 pm

    It’s number one.

    Love your posts.

    -s

    nitaino replied on April 29th, 2008 8:40 pm:

    Yes, I agree, “Cat out of the bag” is related to the cat with nine tails used in the British Navy for discipline. :cool:

  70. vixxin on April 29th, 2008 7:38 pm

    :mrgreen:
    last one
    the other two sound fake

  71. jesterzusmc on April 29th, 2008 7:34 pm

    Number two.
    Sad but true.

  72. Warren on April 29th, 2008 7:33 pm

    #2
    I’ve heard the pig story a long time ago so maybe it’s the correct one.

  73. Hitman on April 29th, 2008 7:19 pm

    I Think is #3

    Why I am not the teacher pet? I am one of your first subscriber and you know that is an advantage knowing a hitman; because a hitman on the other side is nor really good (for you and for your family) :evil:

    aLx replied on April 29th, 2008 7:26 pm:

    by the way, hitman, in the computer game, I always despaired of that mission where you’re supposed to take out those two guys that meet. too many soldiers all around, they got me everytime. plus, I never figured out how that car bomb is supposed to work. any help?

    Hitman replied on April 30th, 2008 5:20 pm:

    IN which HItman? 1, 2 , 3 or 4th? I played the four and ,of course, i won them with silent assassin calification(after several hours)

    BillyB replied on April 29th, 2008 7:45 pm:

    Hi Hitman. Have you heard of the Canadian “Hitman”. One of my employees was invited to his father’s wrestling school, but because of a substance abuse problem at that point in his life he failed to make it. Anyways when most Canadians think of “Hitman” they think, “Bret Hart” because he made it big in the bizzar world of “sports entertainment”. Tragically his brother Owen Died in the wrestling ring that had brought him fame & fortune. Just a little curious if they have anything like this in Russia. I like him, he is a good family guy.
    http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=qT5nUHp7HvM

    captainjack replied on April 30th, 2008 3:25 am:

    I know how you feel Hitman. :neutral: Welcome to the HFW land of unwanted pets. :cry: I think its because we have cold noses like Bill Murry describes in the movie “Stripes”

    Bob replied on April 30th, 2008 4:30 am:

    You unwanted pets better be careful she doesn’t put you all in a bag and drown you. :shock:
    She can’t do that with me because I can use my Crane’s bill as a pair of scissors to cut out and escape. :cool:

    Hitman replied on April 30th, 2008 5:21 pm:

    I will join to your club :neutral:

    captainjack replied on May 1st, 2008 2:44 am:

    Do I hear of anymore unwanted pets that need loving too? :mrgreen:

    wordlover replied on May 2nd, 2008 9:51 am:

    Me too, although I just recently joined, so I don’t yet know if I’m unwanted or not… :neutral:

    trgoblin replied on April 30th, 2008 5:18 am:

    Sorry hitman… I’m the teacher’s pet today… you’ll just have to wait your turn! :razz: :lol:

    captainjack replied on May 1st, 2008 2:43 am:

    Well well Mr. Trgoblin, You can’t be in our club of unwanted pests… I mean pets :!: :twisted: I think she is saving here favorites to become her TAs for the semester. :razz:

    heheheh

  74. ilovehotforwords4sure on April 29th, 2008 7:16 pm

    Hi Marina!
    The cats out of the bag on you!
    You are fun and can be a real “Sweetheart”
    Kisses for you!
    You were “on”, but still like something is bothering you?
    Are you ok?
    Steve

  75. hotforteacher69ume on April 29th, 2008 7:16 pm

    I DON’T KNOW WHO LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG!

    BUT I WOULD LIKE TO UNLEASH YOUR PUPPIES!

    :)

    captainjack replied on May 1st, 2008 2:45 am:

    She only has one really big puppie! :roll:

  76. beantownjim on April 29th, 2008 7:12 pm

    :mrgreen:

  77. beantownjim on April 29th, 2008 7:11 pm

    to let the cat out of the bag means to rat someone out or imform someone a secret

  78. augie on April 29th, 2008 7:09 pm

    huh you stomped me again so im retired navy im going with #1 as always rated 10 love and kisses my sweet teacher

  79. rampgunner on April 29th, 2008 7:04 pm

    Hi Marina,

    New to the whole podcast thing, saw you on O’Reilly and decided to check out your site. Have been enjoying your lessons and hope you will consider this word for a future lesson:

    Toeheaded- reference to a blonde haired child.

    Hope you use this one.
    Thanks and keep up the good work!
    rampgunner

  80. fletcher on April 29th, 2008 6:58 pm

    Please provide the etymology of the word esuriant. Monty Python resurecetd this word in their famous “Cheese Shop” skit. It also followed the use of the word ‘peckish’ to describe hunger. I would love to know the origins of esuriant before I become well… peckish!. Skit script here… http://orangecow.org/pythonet/sketches/cheese.htm. Thanks to you, my dearest teacher!

    BillyB replied on April 29th, 2008 7:20 pm:

    http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=uT3OQECSDoQ&NR=1

  81. toysjoe on April 29th, 2008 6:51 pm

    Well, I haven’t see the lesson yet, downloading as I type this message.

    However, I remember reading that this saying came from England (?) where pig farmers used to sell their pigs, but some farmers would cheat and put a cat in the sack instead of selling actual pigs. So letting the cat out of the bag was kind of letting a secret out, as is its meaning today.

    I hope that was one of the options, or something similar.

  82. coopsf1 on April 29th, 2008 5:58 pm

    Hey Marina, I was wondering if u can give me the meaning of the word RUTHLESS

    Thank You & Take Care,

    Cooper

    toysjoe replied on April 29th, 2008 6:53 pm:

    What the heck is a ruth anyway? If I don’t have it that makes me cold-hearted?

    :mrgreen: HAHA :mrgreen:

    turtlewax replied on April 30th, 2008 3:59 pm:

    Okay, if ruth comes from 13th century Middle English ‘to rue,’ why is one of the books of the Old Testament called the Book of Ruth with themes that seem to define ‘ruth.’ I’m no scholar, especially no theologian, but I assume the Hebrew Ruth predates the 13th century.
    Is it merely a coincidence that ruth and Ruth map so closely to one another?
    Marina, care to weigh in on the convergence of these different origins?
    Thanks,
    turtle

  83. enigma277 on April 29th, 2008 5:36 pm

    :grin: WORD REQUEST FOR YOU MARINA!!!

    Hi. I’d like to request; CHIVALRY

    YOU’re the best teacher I’ve ever had!

    -Andrew

    toysjoe replied on April 29th, 2008 6:52 pm:

    probably to do with the French word “cheval”, meaning horse.

    Knights ride horses….

  84. runawayscott on April 29th, 2008 5:14 pm

    It’s number 2, I’ve readit somewhere before.

  85. xxluckybrandxx on April 29th, 2008 3:55 pm

    PLEASE do “wenus” it is a very funny and interesting word and there is a lot of confusion about it.

    thanks :!:

    love ur videos! :smile:

  86. jacread on April 29th, 2008 3:46 pm

    :twisted: what the easter egg say to the boiling water :twisted:
    :twisted: “going to be a while before i get hard, ,just got laid yesterday” :twisted:

    (//_^) (\___/)
    (=^_^=)
    k amphibious or gekko either word works