kitten
B1Informal to neutral; the literal meaning is standard. Slang/extended uses are very informal.
Definition
Meaning
A young domestic cat.
Used figuratively to refer to a young, playful, or attractive person, or the young of certain other small mammals. In slang, can refer to a young woman or girlfriend.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word strongly implies youth, small size, and cuteness. The figurative use ('have kittens') implies a state of extreme agitation or worry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word itself is identical. The idiom 'to have kittens' (to be extremely worried or upset) is more common in BrE.
Connotations
Similar strong connotations of cuteness and playfulness in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common for the literal meaning in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The cat had [a litter of] kittens.She is kitten-sitting for her neighbour.They decided to kitten-proof their flat.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have kittens (BrE: be very worried)”
- “the cat that got the cream/kitten (looking very pleased)”
- “weak as a kitten”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in pet industry contexts (e.g., kitten food sales).
Academic
Rare, except in zoology/biology discussing feline development.
Everyday
Very common when discussing pets, animals, or using idioms.
Technical
Veterinary medicine: refers to a domestic cat (Felis catus) from birth to puberty (approx. 6-9 months).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Our cat is due to kitten next week.
American English
- The stray cat kittened in their garage.
adjective
British English
- She gave him a kittenish smile.
American English
- He was charmed by her kitten-like curiosity.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a small, grey kitten.
- The kitten drinks milk.
- We found a litter of abandoned kittens in the shed.
- My aunt's cat just had three kittens.
- He'll have kittens if he finds out we damaged his car.
- The rescue centre specialises in hand-rearing orphaned kittens.
- Her kittenish demeanour belied a formidable intellect.
- The documentary followed a feral cat from pregnancy through to her kittens' dispersal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MITTENS: a small, soft KITTEN might try to play with your woolly MITTENS.
Conceptual Metaphor
INNOCENCE/PLAYFULNESS IS KITTEN-LIKE (e.g., 'She has a kittenish charm'). AGITATION IS BIRTHING KITTENS (e.g., 'He'll have kittens when he hears the news').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating the idiom 'have kittens' literally (иметь котят). Use appropriate Russian idioms like 'сходить с ума от волнения'.
- The slang use for a young woman ('She's a cute kitten') is very informal and potentially objectifying; direct translation (кошечка) carries similar informal/connotations.
Common Mistakes
- *'My cat is a kitten' when the cat is clearly an adult. (Contradiction in terms)
- Confusing 'kitten' (young cat) with 'kitten' as verb (to give birth to kittens).
- Using 'kitty' in very formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'kitten'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'kitten' is specifically a young cat, typically under one year old. 'Cat' is the general term for the animal at any age.
Yes, informally it can refer to the young of certain similar-sized mammals like rabbits or ferrets, but this is not the primary meaning. The standard term for a young rabbit is a 'kit' or 'kitten'.
In informal speech, yes. 'Kitty' is a child-friendly or affectionate term for a kitten or cat. It is not used in formal or technical contexts.
It is a British English idiom meaning to be extremely worried, anxious, or upset about something. e.g., 'My mum will have kittens if I'm home late.'
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