tom and jerry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, Cultural
Quick answer
What does “tom and jerry” mean?
A famous, long-running American animated series featuring a cat (Tom) and a mouse (Jerry) engaged in perpetual slapstick conflict.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A famous, long-running American animated series featuring a cat (Tom) and a mouse (Jerry) engaged in perpetual slapstick conflict.
Any pair of characters, people, or groups engaged in a comically antagonistic, perpetual, and often fruitless rivalry. Can also refer to a traditional hot, spiced milk and rum drink.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both regions recognize the cartoon. The metaphorical usage ('they're like Tom and Jerry') is equally understood. The drink 'Tom and Jerry' is more commonly referenced in historical or North American contexts.
Connotations
Universally connotes a chaotic but often humorous and non-malicious rivalry. Can imply futility in the struggle.
Frequency
Higher frequency as a cultural reference, lower as a metaphorical descriptor.
Grammar
How to Use “tom and jerry” in a Sentence
[be] like Tom and Jerrya Tom-and-Jerry relationshipthe Tom and Jerry of [industry/politics]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tom and jerry” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Their Tom-and-Jerry antics drove the teacher mad.
American English
- The debate turned into a Tom-and-Jerry shouting match.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe two competing departments or colleagues whose constant clashes are counterproductive. 'The marketing and sales teams have a real Tom and Jerry dynamic.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in media studies discussing animation history or in sociology describing conflict models.
Everyday
Commonly used to describe siblings, neighbours, or coworkers who constantly bicker but without real malice. 'My sons are like Tom and Jerry every morning.'
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tom and jerry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tom and jerry”
- Using 'Tom and Jerry's' for the plural of the characters (correct: 'Tom and Jerry episodes'). Confusing it with other cartoon duos (e.g., Sylvester and Tweety).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the cartoon characters or franchise, yes, it is a proper noun. When used metaphorically ('a Tom and Jerry dynamic'), it is often not capitalized.
Typically no. The phrase carries a connotation of slapstick, humour, and futility. Using it for a serious, violent conflict would be inappropriate and minimising.
It's a traditional American winter drink from the 19th century, made with hot milk, rum, brandy, sugar, eggs, and spices, similar to eggnog.
While Jerry the mouse often gets the better of Tom in individual cartoons, the metaphor implies no permanent winner; the chase and conflict are perpetual.
A famous, long-running American animated series featuring a cat (Tom) and a mouse (Jerry) engaged in perpetual slapstick conflict.
Tom and jerry is usually informal, cultural in register.
Tom and jerry: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɒm ən ˈdʒer.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɑːm ən ˈdʒer.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like Tom and Jerry”
- “a Tom and Jerry situation”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the first two letters: 'To' (Tom) always chasing 'Je' (Jerry).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A CARTOON; CONFLICT IS A CHASE.
Practice
Quiz
What does describing a relationship as 'Tom and Jerry' typically imply?