catty

adj

Etymology: From cat + -y. Compare Dutch kattig, which also means “subtly hostile” and is formed the same way (kat + -ig); see also catfight.

1. Resembling or characteristic of a cat.

   “catty eyes”

   “I heard a catty shriek.”

2. With subtle hostility in an effort to hurt, annoy, or upset (particularly in interactions between women).

   “The fact is, Mr Carrados, Gertrude is a misfire. It was the surprise of her life (if I said "disappointment" you'd think me catty) when Mark married me, and she didn't set out to be pleasant to the interloper.”

   ““So leave your umbrellas at home 'cause we're gonna be drier than my favorite varietal of white wine, pinot gris.” “Hmm. Interesting. According to my research, precipitation is a-coming.” “So Harry's wrong?” “I don't want to be a catty bitch, but kind of, yeah.” “Meow, Ham.””

name

Etymology: Diminutive + -y.

1. The borough of Catasauqua in Pennsylvania.

noun

1. A catapult.

   ““Give me your slingshot, and I'll let you have it back after school this afternoon,” she said firmly. […] I stuck the 'catty' into my back pocket and ran outside to meet the others.”

   “You could also keep a tennis ball and a frog, or a catapult and a frog, but not all three together. I know because I tried it. The frog got a bit squashed between the ball and the handle of the catty.”