cat standard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, humorous
Quick answer
What does “cat standard” mean?
A humorous or informal term for a baseline of quality or performance that is unambitious, minimal, or set by a cat (as a deliberately low or whimsical benchmark).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A humorous or informal term for a baseline of quality or performance that is unambitious, minimal, or set by a cat (as a deliberately low or whimsical benchmark).
Used metaphorically to describe any standard that is notably low, easily achievable, or humorously inadequate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both variants. Slightly more likely to appear in UK online discourse, influenced by British humour.
Connotations
Playful derision, self-deprecation.
Frequency
Very low frequency; a niche, creative expression.
Grammar
How to Use “cat standard” in a Sentence
[Subject] sets/meets/is a cat standard for [object]It's a cat standard for [domain]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cat standard” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They've cat-standardised the entry requirements.
American English
- He's just cat-standardizing his effort.
adverb
British English
- He performed cat-standardly.
American English
- She decorated the room cat-standardly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Everyday
Used humorously to describe a very simple or undemanding requirement. 'My fitness plan currently meets the cat standard – I get off the couch twice a day.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cat standard”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cat standard”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cat standard”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing with 'gold standard'.
- Misinterpreting as a high quality standard (like 'catwalk' fashion).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an informal, humorous coinage.
Rarely. It usually carries a self-deprecating or mildly critical tone, implying the standard is too low.
Its origin is unclear but it likely emerged from internet culture, playing on the idiom 'gold standard' and stereotypes of cats having simple needs.
It's synonymous but more whimsical and evocative, specifically invoking the idea of a cat's undemanding nature.
A humorous or informal term for a baseline of quality or performance that is unambitious, minimal, or set by a cat (as a deliberately low or whimsical benchmark).
Cat standard: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæt ˈstændəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæt ˈstændərd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not rocket science, it's a cat standard.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat judging a contest: its standard for a 'good bed' is any sunny patch on the floor. That's a low, simple benchmark – a cat standard.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS HEIGHT (a low standard). A STANDARD IS A MEASURING DEVICE (a whimsical, faulty one).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'cat standard' imply?