Pirate Word of the Day – Cat-In-The-Pan

From the Dictionary of Nautical, University, Gypsy and Other Vulgar Tongues first published in 1859.

Seem quite comfortable there…

Cat-in-the-Pan: a traitor, a turn-coat derived by some from the Greek, Karairav, altogether; or from cake in pan, a pan cake, which is frequently turned from side to side.

(Whatever the derivation, I like it. But perhaps it has to do with how quickly a cat can jump into and out of any situation. I had the lid off an aquarium once when the cat tried to jump on top. Once she hit the water, I’ve never see an animal move so fast!)

Advertisements