Welcome to ‘Animated English’, where we use the magic of classic cartoons to unlock the English language! This week, we’re diving whiskers-first into the hilarious antics of the 1942 classic, ‘A Tale of Two Kitties’. This cartoon is a goldmine of idioms, collocations, and vocabulary waiting to be unearthed. So, let’s buckle up and join our feline protagonists on their mischievous escapades while we tease apart the English language used, providing you with some fantastic lessons to enhance your language skills!
The plot follows two cats trying to capture a bird from its nest. Along the way, they express their fear, excitement, and dismay in vibrant language.
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Here are some noteworthy phrases and vocabulary from the script:
- “I don’t want no potatoes” (double negative): In standard English, this would be considered incorrect because two negatives create a positive. However, in certain dialects and colloquial speech, a double negative can be used for emphasis.
- “I get hydrophobia” (colloquialism, n.): In this context, one cat is humorously stating he’s scared of heights (not water, as hydrophobia literally implies).
- “Give me the bird” (idiom): In this context, it’s a literal request for the bird they’re trying to catch. However, “give someone the bird” can also mean to jeer or boo someone.
- “A load off of my mind” (idiom): This phrase means to stop worrying about something or feeling relief after resolving a problem.
- “I went out of pities” (collocation): This humorous play on words manipulates the phrase “out of pity.” The cat mispronounces “pity” as “pities,” using incorrect pluralization for comedic effect.
- “I’m a bad pussycat” (idiom): This self-deprecating phrase shows regret or acknowledgment of wrongdoing. It’s a play on the phrase “bad kitty” often used when a cat misbehaves.
- “Aren’t you ashamed?” (collocation): This phrase is often used to express disapproval or disappointment in someone’s actions.
- “Flying around my widow head” (colloquialism, n.): This phrase humorously demonstrates the cat’s fear and disorientation. It’s a playful misspeak of the phrase “window head.”
- “Turn out those lights” (idiom): It means to switch off the lights. However, in show business, it’s often used metaphorically when a performance or show is over.
“Tale of Two Kitties” offers a fun glimpse into colloquial English and how it’s used for comedic effect. Understanding these phrases not only improves your language skills but also allows you to appreciate the humour and cultural context of such classic animations. So, next time you’re in the mood for a classic cartoon, you’ll be able to understand and laugh along with the best of them! Let’s test out what you remember. Try the quiz below!
#1. What does the term ‘hydrophobia’ literally refer to?
#2. Which phrase means to be scared in the context of the cartoon?
#3. What does ‘give me the bird’ mean in this context?
#4. Which phrase means ‘to fail repeatedly’ in this cartoon?
#5. What does ‘I can’t even get the bird’ mean in the context of the cartoon?
#6. What does ‘I’m a bad pussycat’ express?
#7. Which of these phrases refers to not succeeding at something?
#8. What does ‘turn out those lights’ suggest?
#9. What does ‘stop your clowning’ mean?
#10. Which of these is a way of saying ‘invent a story or lie’?
Results
Congratulations. Today your knowledge is full! No need for a bird lunch.
It appears you’re still hungry. Have a snack, and try again.
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