“My husband never does the dishes, he eats plenty but never does the dishes! He also won’t go grocery shopping! I have to set the trash in front of the door to get him to take it out. Hitting the toilet while standing up is apparently an Olympic event he never got a medal in. One other thing…blah, blah, blah.”
I sit staring blindly at my oldest friend. I have heard it all before. She starts in on a topic, today it is her husband. My mind runs to the taste of my tea, it seems a little bitter. Picking up a pink packet, flicking it with my finger, about to add it to my tea when my reverie is broken.
“What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue today? You haven’t said a word. I asked you a question.” Her red lips purse.
“Oh sorry, I was taking in all you are saying.” Thinking. “No, I don’t think it’s too much to ask, he should help with homework,” I replied.
Origins of “cat got your tongue” are attributed to two vague references. The first references a whipping with a cat-o-nine tail as punishment on a ship. The whipping was so severe that the receiver was often rendered speechless for some time. The second and even older explanation goes back to ancient Egypt. It seems that liars and those who spoke against the Gods might have their tongues cut out and fed to the royal cats.
My family often uses this phrase as a humorous way to get someone back on track with what is often hectic conversation amongst a table full of many generations.
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