“What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?” I have heard several older relatives ask this, especially to children. Sometimes the children were shy. Other times, little ones feared a truthful answer would get them in trouble.

Rarely have I heard the full question, “Has the cat got your tongue?”

Many people wonder what cats have to do with people not talking. Although a few ideas exist for this expression’s origin, none can be proved.

People usually ask, “Cat got your tongue?” if they think people should be talking.

They may ask the question for fun. Other times, they ask with anger or impatience.

Sometimes we should stay quiet.

We never want to put our foot in our mouth. Better to bite our tongue than speak hurtful or foolish words.

Other times, we should speak.

Whether easy or hard to say, we need to speak up if we know our words will:

• Improve a situation
• Help other people
• Spread love rather than hate

Whatever we say, may we always speak from loving hearts of gold.

“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.” (Psalm 34:13 NIV).

Thanks to Ann Maniscalco for the suggestion and to Jacqueline Graves for the photo.

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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