Language/Idioms/Culture
Why We Say “Bite Your Tongue”
Tongue in Cheek and Cat Got Your Tongue?
Inspiration comes from the strangest places
This summer I got to attend a rock concert in the park.
On stage, hung a banner behind the drummer’s set-up of a Rolling Stones tribute band, where I noticed a familiar icon. Probably one of the most recognizable symbols that transcends the music industry and pop culture.
You’ve seen it before. A huge distinguishable open mouth, expressive lips and an extended tongue.
It’s a significant logo. That famous tongue.
Tongue. A six-letter word depicting everything from irreverence and wildness to intimacy. From language and speech to taste and lust. From iconic rock stars to iconic deities.
That set my wheels in motion, just thinking about the word, Tongue, and its usage in our lexicon. Three expressions or idioms came to mind:
- Bite your tongue
- Tongue in cheek
- Cat got your tongue
Bite Your Tongue
There are a variety of reasons why we might say Bite your tongue:
►We want to prevent something negative from happening.
example: (Son): I’ve been praying for a major snowstorm to cancel m midterms. (Dad): Bite your tongue. The snowblower’s busted.
► We don’t want to hurt or harm someone or cause unnecessary distress and upset (including for ourselves).
(Husband): She asked me if that dress made her look fat; I should have just bit my tongue.
►We are compelled to keep a secret or not divulge privileged information.
(Boss’ assistant): I knew where all the bodies were buried, but if I wanted to keep my job, I had to learn to bite my tongue and keep quiet.
Moving right along to Tongue in Cheek:
►Tongue in cheek can be friendly banter or scathing satire. Sometimes, sarcasmis used to express true intention.
example: “I live to make your every wish come true,” she said to her spoiled kids. Her tone indicated that it was all tongue in cheek, though. “Now go make your beds.”
example: “It always blows my mind when people don’t directly say what they mean or mean what they say, what makes them so sarcastic with tongue in cheek?”
Last but not least, the idiomatic expression, Cat got your tongue?
Reported Origins of Cat got your tongue:
Why we say Cat got your tongue
- We perceive the person’s silence as suspicious as if they are not inclined to admit they’ve done something wrong or they are basically keeping a secret, but there is an underlying reason for their silence.
- We perceive someone’s shyness or being verbally paralyzed with fear.
- We want to induce someone to speak, spill the beans, and waive their right to be silent.
- example: Traces of chocolate mocha frosting on Jason’s innocent face, but no answer when I asked if he knew who ate the cupcakes for the party. “What’s the matter? I asked. Cat got your tongue?”
Of course, idioms are like overused cliches in a lot of ways, but they are still fun, especially when you stop to consider the imagery and origin.
Isn’t language fascinating? What is your favorite idiom, dear reader? I’d like to know. Don’t hold your tongue now.
Until then, I’ll leave you with this iconic photograph of Albert Einstein after celebrating his 72nd birthday at a special party at Princeton in his honor and smiling all night for the reporters, photographers and paparazzi. ‘Enough,’ he said finally in the car after the party had ended to call it a night. But they didn’t stop. Einstein spontaneously gave a flip of the tongue (or was it a slip of the tongue?) And one photographer got the shot. The rest is history.
Thank you to Sahil Patel publisher, all editors and writing community of Reciprocal publication on Medium, for a wonderful place to read and write.
And if you’re looking for some inspiration and resourceful ingredients to keep your writing momentum going on Medium and develop some good writing techniques, here is a must-read from editor, Yana Bostongirl:
Also, speaking of inspiration is the latest writing prompt in Reciprocal from editor Dr. Preeti Singh who so vividly describes both the healing tranquility and the devasting power of the sea. I so connect with her words. Check out the prompt and be inspired to write as well: Nature prompt: the wonders of the sea
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