pussycat

Everyday

1. (informal, children's) A cat, especially a friendly pet cat: «Here, pussycat!» tree →
2. (informal) A gentle, kind person who seems tough but is soft and easy to like: «He looks scary but he's a pussycat really.» tree →

In the lessons

In nursery rhymes and children's stories it is a cosy word for a cat: «The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea» (Edward Lear) and «Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been?» In everyday talk it describes someone softer than they look. Phrases: «a big pussycat», «pussycat, pussycat».

Examples

• The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea in a beautiful pea-green boat. tree →
• «Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been?» «I've been to London to visit the Queen.» tree →
• Our pussycat sleeps on the radiator. tree →
• The big rugby player is a total pussycat with his little sister. tree →
• The baby pointed and said «pussycat!» tree →
• The guard dog turned out to be a pussycat. tree →

Note

Countable: pussycat, pussycats; also «pussy-cat» or «puss». It is a babyish or cosy word; in school writing use «cat». Short form «puss» is fine (Puss in Boots), but the short form «pussy» also has a rude adult meaning, so say «pussycat», «puss» or «cat».