Shake a Dead Cat

[CajunCenturion]

Does anyone know the etymology of the phrase: "shake a dead cat"?

Thanks.


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[kwbMitel]

To take things in a different direction (but still related) have a look at this mans definition of "swinging a cat"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e7623GNqDw&feature=player_embedded

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What's most important is that you realise ... There is no spoon.

 

[karluk]

If I may be permitted to use two quotes by the same author in one week, Dickens also edified his readers with his take on the expression "swinging a cat", this time in David Copperfield.

Mrs. Crupp had indignantly assured him that there wasn't room to swing a cat there; but, as Mr. Dick justly observed to me, sitting down on the foot of the bed, nursing his leg, 'You know, Trotwood, I don't want to swing a cat. I never do swing a cat. Therefore, what does that signify to ME!'

 

[SamBones]

I think Dickens would enjoy participating in these threads. Anyone have his email address?

 

[BadBigBen]

I think, these days, he only accepts snail-mail...

here is his last known address:

Westminster Abbey
c/o Charles John Huffam Dickens
20 Deans Yard
London
SW1P 3PA
UK



Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
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[flyboytim]

I used to have a friend who was inclined to flagellation, necrophilia and bestiality, but he gave all of them up when he found he was flogging a dead horse...

 

[SamBones]

I think, these days, he only accepts snail-mail...

Wouldn't that be worm-mail?

 

[CajunCenturion]

Is he a stop on the mail-rail system?


--------------
Good Luck
To get the most from your Tek-Tips experience, please read
FAQ181-2886
Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something. - Plato

 

[BadBigBen]

Wouldn't that be worm-mail?

they're probably starved by now...

Is he a stop on the mail-rail system?

don't know about that, but he got railed, or is that shafted, being buried in an abbey...

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"