Definition of catty

The origin of the word "catty" can be traced back to the late-19th century, where it was used primarily to refer to the weight of goods sold in Chinese apothecary shops. These shops sometimes used cat-shaped measures to sell their products, with each cat representing a specific weight. The term "catty" actually comes from the Chinese word "jīn" (� descentigan), which is an ancient measurement and weight system used in China since the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE). A catty weighs about 60oz or 1.75 kilograms, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of an average house cat. The practice of using cat-shaped measures in apothecary shops became popular in the West during the era of the British Empire, as trade with China increased. The term "catty" was then adopted by English speakers as a convenient and descriptive way to describe this particular weight measurement. Over time, the meaning of "catty" began to evolve. In the early 1900s, it came to refer to the tendency of people, especially women, to engage in petty insults and gossip-mongering. This meaning may have been influenced by the feline association of the word, as cats are known for their occasional schemes and subtle aggression. Today, "catty" is often used as a slang term to describe someone who is overly critical or malicious, especially in a social or personal context. Its origins in weight measurement and trade belies its more modern association with social trends and relationships.