Doggerel Catnaps Scapegoats Foxtrots And Horse Feathers Splendid Animal Words

When it comes to the English language, it offers a plethora of unique and fascinating words. From onomatopoeic interjections to poetic expressions, animal-related words have always had a captivating charm. In this article, we explore the enchanting world of doggerel, catnaps, scapegoats, foxtrots, and horse feathers - splendid animal words that will leave you wanting more.

1. Doggerel

Have you ever heard someone describe a poem as doggerel? This delightful word refers to a form of verse that is considered crude, amateurish, or of little literary value. It is often characterized by its simplicity, irregular metrical pattern, and lack of artistic prowess. Doggerel may evoke the image of a barking dog and its attempts to communicate in a less refined manner. So, the next time you come across an underwhelming poem, you know just the word to describe it.

Holy Cow!: Doggerel, Catnaps, Scapegoats, Foxtrots, and Horse Feathers—Splendid Animal Words and Phrases

by Boze Hadleigh (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1001 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	322 pages

FREE

2. Catnaps

We all know cats and their innate ability to adapt and sleep almost anywhere. But have you ever taken a catnap yourself? This term refers to a brief and light sleep, similar to the way cats tend to doze off in short intervals throughout the day. Whether you find yourself snoozing on the couch or indulging in a mid-afternoon siesta, embrace the catnap lifestyle and join the feline world of tranquility.

3. Scapegoats

Have you ever been blamed for something you didn't do or felt like you were unfairly held responsible for a mistake? Then you were made a scapegoat. This term has its roots in ancient Hebrew rituals, where a goat would symbolically bear the sins of the community and be sent into the wilderness to atone for them. Now, scapegoat refers to an individual who takes the blame for others, whether willingly or unwillingly. Beware of becoming a scapegoat and remember that the blame doesn't always rest on your shoulders.

4. Foxtrots

Have you ever danced the foxtrot? If not, it's time to learn this smooth and elegant ballroom dance. The foxtrot originated in the early 20th century and gained popularity with its smooth gliding movements and playful elegance. The dance got its name from its innovative combination of trotting and walking steps, mimicking the moves of a fox. So put on your dancing shoes, grab a partner, and foxtrot your way into a world of grace and style.

5. Horse Feathers

When someone exclaims "horse feathers!" what do they mean? This quirky phrase is used as a way to express disbelief, surprise, or to dismiss something as nonsense. It is often used when someone finds a statement or situation to be ridiculous or absurd, much like the idea of feathers on a horse. So the next time you encounter something that seems too far-fetched to believe, just remember to utter those two magical words and let the world know how you truly feel.

The Joy in Words

Language is a beautifully intricate creation, and these splendid animal words add an extra layer of charm and delight to our vocabulary. Exploring the meanings and origins of such unique terms not only expands our linguistic knowledge but also brings joy and amusement to our lives. So, embrace the joy of words and let the delightful world of doggerel, catnaps, scapegoats, foxtrots, and horse feathers enhance your conversations and expressions.

Holy Cow!: Doggerel, Catnaps, Scapegoats, Foxtrots, and Horse Feathers—Splendid Animal Words and Phrases

by Boze Hadleigh (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1001 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	322 pages

FREE

We love animals but insult humans by calling them everything from weasels or pigs to sheep, mice, chickens, sharks, snakes, and bird-brains. Animal epithets, words, and phrases are so widespread we often take them for granted or remain ignorant of the fascinating stories and facts behind them.

Spanning the entire animal kingdom, Holy Cow! explains:

Why hot dogs are named after canines. Why people talk turkey or go cold turkey.
Why curiosity killed the cat, although dogs are more curious about us.
Why letting the cat out of the bag originally referred to a duped shopper.
What a horse of another color is, what horsefeathers politely alludes to, why a mule is a lady’s slipper, and what horseradish has to do with horses.
Why the combination of humans and cows probably led to capitalism—its name from Latin for head, as in heads of cows.
Why holy cow and sacred cow have almost opposite meanings.
Whether people actually chewed the fat or ate crow (and why it’s a crowbar).
How a hog became a motorcycle and a chick a young woman.
What happens to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. What buck has to do with being naked. Why the birds and the bees.
Why a piggy bank and why one feeds the kitty.
What lame ducks have to do with U.S. presidents.
How red herring came about via activists opposed to fox hunting.
Where snake oil, popular in the 1800s and rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, came from.
That the proverbial fly in the ointment goes back to the Bible’s Ecclesiastes (10:1).
How Swiss watchmakers created teensy-weensy coaches for fleas to pull in flea circuses.
And much—much!—more.

Don't be a lame duck and get this book!