cat got your tongue

The phrase "cat got your tongue?" is an idiom used to urge someone to speak when they are unusually silent, hesitant, or refusing to answer a question. It is often phrased as a rhetorical question to children or those suspected of withholding information. The exact origin is murky and debated by etymologists, though it first appeared in print in the mid-19th century. Popular, albeit unverified, theories attribute it to the "cat o' nine tails"—a multi-thonged whip used by the British Royal Navy that caused such pain it left victims speechless—or to medieval and Ancient Egyptian folklore regarding liars having their tongues cut out and fed to cats.

For most English speakers, the term is considered a lighthearted, playful tease without malicious intent. However, some modern critics and inclusive language advocates suggest avoiding it. Objections usually stem from the potentially violent imagery associated with its folk etymologies (torture and mutilation) or the dynamic of the phrase itself. When directed at someone experiencing anxiety, neurodivergence, or selective mutism, the phrase can be perceived as ableist, coercive, or condescending, as it pressures the listener to vocalize when they may be physically or emotionally unable to do so.

Example:
"You've been staring at the floor ever since I asked about the cookies. What's the matter, cat got your tongue?"

Example:
"The usually boisterous politician stood silent at the podium when asked about the scandal, leading the moderator to ask if the cat had got his tongue."