pussy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-High (informal/vulgar contexts)Very informal, often vulgar, taboo. The 'cat' meaning is informal but affectionate.
Quick answer
What does “pussy” mean?
Slang term for the vulva or vagina.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Slang term for the vulva or vagina; also a common affectionate term for a cat.
Used as an insult meaning cowardly or weak; can also refer to something soft or gentle (like cat fur). In extremely vulgar slang, can refer to sexual activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both share core meanings. The insult 'pussy' (coward) is slightly more prevalent in American English. The term for a cat is common in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, the sexual term is considered very vulgar and offensive in formal or mixed company. The cat term is seen as cute or childish.
Frequency
The vulgar meaning is likely more frequent in casual adult speech, especially American. The cat meaning is frequent in domestic/child-oriented contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “pussy” in a Sentence
Don't be such a pussy! (N)She was pussyfooting around the issue. (V)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pussy” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The little girl cuddled her fluffy pussy.
- He called him a pussy for not jumping off the dock.
American English
- She called her cat 'Pussy' as a pet name.
- That movie's dialogue is full of 'pussy' this and 'pussy' that.
verb
British English
- Stop pussyfooting and make a decision!
American English
- The manager pussyfooted around the real reason for the layoffs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never appropriate.
Academic
Never appropriate (except in specific cultural/gender studies discussing the term).
Everyday
Highly restricted to very informal, trusted company. The 'cat' meaning is safe with children.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pussy”
- Using it casually without understanding its extreme vulgarity. Assuming it's just a cute word for a cat in all contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only in two cases: 1) Referring affectionately to a cat, typically with children or in a childish tone. 2) In the idiom 'pussyfoot around'. In all other cases, especially the anatomical reference, it is deeply vulgar and likely to cause offence.
'Vagina' is the standard anatomical term, clinical and neutral. 'Pussy' is a vulgar slang term, loaded with cultural and sexual connotations. It is not interchangeable in formal or polite contexts.
It's based on the derogatory and misogynistic association of femininity with weakness. Calling a man a 'pussy' implies he is weak like a woman (in the speaker's prejudiced view).
Extreme caution is needed. The cat meaning is understood but old-fashioned/cutesy. The insult meaning is common. The sexual meaning is so strong it often 'poisons' the other uses. It's generally safer to use 'cat', 'kitty', 'wimp', or 'coward' instead.
Slang term for the vulva or vagina.
Pussy is usually very informal, often vulgar, taboo. the 'cat' meaning is informal but affectionate. in register.
Pussy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʊsi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʊsi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pussyfoot around (to act cautiously or indecisively)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'pussy willow' plant – it's soft and furry, like a cat. This is the safe, non-vulgar association.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEAKNESS IS FEMININITY / SOFTNESS IS GENTLENESS
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a safe, non-vulgar use of 'pussy'?