The selection of expressions found in the following essay covers three periods in the development of the English language. In contrast to a proverb, the meaning of an idiom “cannot be deduced by examining the meanings of the constituent lexemes” (Crystal 2003: 163). In contrast, an 'idiom' is “a phrase that behaves like a word” (Ayto 2010: vii), which means that it is a fixed expression that has to be interpreted in its entirety. A 'proverb' can be defined as a traditional saying, which presents a moral or an advice and usually appears in the form of a sentence (Speake 2015: xi/xii). 'Saying' is the most general of the three terms as it refers to any “pithy or concise observation that expresses folk wisdom, a basic principle, fundamental teaching, or the like” (McArthur 1992: 888/889). In order to discuss a selection of expressions involving cats and dogs, it is necessary to define the terms 'proverb', 'idiom' and 'saying' as well as the time frame which will be covered in this essay. Proof of this cannot only be found in documentaries and history books, but also in language: There is a myriad of proverbs, idioms and sayings involving one or both animals, many of which are still in use today. While cats and dogs have not always been pets, they have been present in the lives of humans in one form or another for a very long time. Often, they will heartily admit to being either a dog person or a cat person, and this answer is usually followed by anecdotes of their dog's latest mischief or recommendations for cute cat videos. Expressions Recorded in the Modern English Period (1750-1950)Ī question that can turn a dinner party into a discussion round, strangers into friends and a first date into a kiss: Cats or dogs? It is a question like summer or winter, tea or coffee - many people have a preference for one or the other. A living dog is better than a dead lionģ Expressions Recorded in the Early Modern English Period (1450-1750)Ĥ. Expressions Recorded in the Middle English Period (1100-1450)Ģ.3.
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