Meaning

"Cat got your tongue?" is a teasing question you ask someone who has suddenly gone quiet, usually because they are shy, embarrassed or caught out. Nobody knows for sure where it comes from; the picture is a cat that has run off with your tongue, so now you cannot talk. It is almost always a question. The full form is "Has the cat got your tongue?", but people drop the first words and often add a softer opener: "Hey, you okay? Cat got your tongue?"

It is informal and a little old-fashioned. Grandparents say it to kids, and friends say it to each other with a grin. Be careful with it. To a shy person, a nervous child or someone who is struggling to find words in a second language, it can feel like being put on the spot in front of everyone. In those moments, give them space instead: "Take your time" or "No rush, we're listening."

In a conversation

SofiaArjun
  1. Sofia
  2. Arjun
  3. Sofia
  4. Arjun
  5. Sofia
  6. Arjun

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Check yourself

1When do people usually say "Cat got your tongue?"
2Why does Sofia switch to "Take your time"?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then repeat. It's a question, so let your voice rise on "tongue". Keep it light and playful.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.