laperm
C2/Rare (Specialist)Specialist, formal (in cat breeding/fancy contexts); informal in pet-owner communities.
Definition
Meaning
A breed of domestic cat characterized by its unique curly or wavy coat.
A specific variety of cat known for a mutation causing a soft, curly, sometimes ringleted coat that ranges from loose waves to tight curls.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a proper noun (a breed name) and is not used generically. It is typically capitalized (LaPerm). It refers exclusively to this cat breed and its distinguishing coat type.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant linguistic differences. The breed name is international. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations of a specific, somewhat rare pedigree cat.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, limited to feline enthusiast circles.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [breeder] bred [several LaPerms].[Our cat] is a [registered] LaPerm.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the business of cat breeding, selling, or showing pedigrees.
Academic
Used in academic papers on feline genetics or breed history.
Everyday
Very rare. May be used by pet owners discussing specific cat breeds.
Technical
Used in veterinary medicine or feline genetics to specify a breed with a dominant curly coat mutation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She specializes in LaPerm genetics.
- The LaPerm standard was revised.
American English
- He is a LaPerm breeder.
- We follow the LaPerm breed council guidelines.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This cat has very curly fur.
- Some cats have unusual coats.
- The LaPerm is a distinctive breed known for its curly coat.
- We're considering getting a pedigree cat, perhaps a LaPerm.
- The breed's foundation stock originated from a spontaneous dominant mutation observed in Oregon, USA.
- Judges at the championship noted the excellent coat texture of the exhibited LaPerm.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PERM' as in a hair perm – a LaPerm is a cat with a permanent, natural perm.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANIMAL BREED IS A BRAND/PRODUCT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as "лэпёрм" without context; it will be unrecognizable. Use a descriptive phrase like "порода кошек с кудрявой шерстью" first, then introduce the term.
- Do not confuse with 'perm' (химическая завивка) as a general term; LaPerm is specific.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a laperm coat' instead of 'a LaPerm's coat').
- Misspelling as 'La Perm' or 'Laparm'.
- Assuming it's a type of fabric or hairstyle.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a LaPerm?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as it is a proper noun referring to a specific breed, it is conventionally capitalized.
No. It refers only to cats of that specific breed. A mixed-breed cat with curly hair is not a LaPerm.
It combines 'La' (suggesting French elegance) with 'Perm' (referring to the permanent wave of its coat).
Some people with cat allergies react better to LaPerms, as they may shed less fur and dander, but no cat is truly hypoallergenic.