The Curious Lexicon of "Potty" and "Pussy"

Key Insights into "Potty" and "Pussy"

"Pussy" has a multifaceted history, primarily rooted in Germanic words for "cat," and later evolving to include affectionate terms for girls, then "vulva" or "vagina," and even "coward."
"Potty" predominantly refers to a toilet or a small child's training receptacle, but also carries meanings of "silly" or "crazy" in British English.
Despite superficial similarities in sound, "potty" and "pussy" have distinct and largely unrelated etymological paths, reflecting their independent linguistic development.

The English language is a rich tapestry of words, many of which carry multiple meanings and fascinating historical origins. Among these, "potty" and "pussy" stand out for their diverse interpretations and sometimes surprising etymological journeys. While they may occasionally appear together in informal or humorous contexts, their core meanings and historical development are quite separate.

The Puzzling Past of "Pussy"

"Pussy" is a word that has evolved significantly over centuries, acquiring a range of meanings from the endearing to the vulgar. Its primary origins are deeply intertwined with the word "cat."

From Feline Friend to Affectionate Term

The noun "pussy," meaning "cat," derives from the Modern English word "puss," which is a conventional name or term of address for a cat. This feline connection can be traced back to at least 1533 in English, with cognates found in several Germanic languages, such as Dutch "poes" and Middle Low German "pūse," both used to call cats. The idea is that these words might be imitative of sounds made to attract a cat. By the 19th century, "pussy" extended to refer to anything soft and furry, including rabbits and hares.

Around the mid-1500s, "pussy" also became a term of endearment for girls, perhaps due to perceived cat-like qualities. This affectionate use is seen in literature from the mid-19th century. Interestingly, this duality—referring to both a cat and a woman—appeared in Middle English as "pusse" or "puse."

A cat sitting on a toilet drinking coffee

An image illustrating the literal interpretation of "potty pussy."

The Shift to Anatomical Slang and Derogatory Meanings

The most widely recognized slang meaning of "pussy" today refers to the "vulva" or "vagina." This anatomical sense of the word emerged by the 18th century, with citations from 1699 onwards. From there, it further extended by the 20th century to refer to "sexual intercourse with a woman." Some theories suggest a connection to Old Norse "pūss" and Old English "pusa," meaning "pocket" or "purse," which could have influenced this specific anatomical meaning.

Beyond its anatomical connotation, "pussy" also developed into a derogatory term meaning "coward" or "weakling." This usage is distinct from the anatomical slang. While some folk etymologies mistakenly link this sense to "pusillanimous" (meaning cowardly), linguistic analysis indicates that the "cowardly" meaning of "pussy" is likely related to the perceived timidity of cats, rather than being a shortened form of "pusillanimous." It's important to note that "pussy" can also be used as an adjective, meaning "exhibiting characteristics associated with a cat" or, in later use, "weak, cowardly."

Related Slang for Female Genitalia

The English language, particularly its slang, is replete with alternative terms for the female genitalia. These range from playful to vulgar, reflecting various cultural and social attitudes. Some common examples include "kitty," "coochie," "snatch," "beaver," "cookie," "vajayjay," and "box." These terms often carry different connotations and are used in varying contexts, from intimate conversations to more crude expressions.

Unraveling the Origins of "Potty"

The word "potty" primarily relates to toilet use, especially concerning children, but it also has intriguing secondary meanings, particularly in British English.

The Toilet and Training Device

Most commonly, "potty" refers to a small chair with a receptacle used for toilet training children, or more broadly, as a colloquial term for a toilet or bathroom, especially when speaking to children. This usage is well-established, with phrases like "Mommy, I need to use the potty" being common in households with young children. The term "potty" in this context is a diminutive of "pot," referring to a deep, circular vessel.

The concept of portable toilets and chamber pots dates back centuries. Ancient Greeks used chamber pots made of ceramic or tin, predominantly for women. By the 14th century, Egyptians employed wooden boxes placed over pottery for similar purposes, evolving into what we recognize today as a precursor to modern portable toilets, often referred to as "porta-potties."

Potty Training and Hygienic Practices

Potty training is a crucial developmental stage for children, and the words used during this period are often child-friendly euphemisms for bodily functions. While "vagina" and "penis" are anatomically correct, terms like "pee-pee," "wee-wee," or "tinkle" are frequently used. From a health perspective, proper hygiene, such as wiping from front to back, is essential, regardless of the words used to describe the act of urination or defecation.

This video emphasizes the importance of proper hygiene, specifically wiping from front to back, which is relevant to discussions around toilet training and bodily functions, including those related to the female anatomy.

"Potty" as "Crazy" or "Silly"

In British English, "potty" carries an entirely different meaning: "silly" or "slightly crazy." This usage is distinct from its toilet-related sense and is attested from around 1916. Phrases like "She must have been potty to sell that car so cheaply" or "I'd go potty if I had to work here all the time" exemplify this meaning. This sense of "potty" is believed to be of unknown origin, possibly connected to the verb "potter" (to occupy oneself in a trifling way) or to "pot" (referring to alcoholic drinking).

The term "potty-mouth," meaning someone who uses obscene language excessively, is student slang from 1968. This idiom draws on the association of "potty" with vulgarity or crudeness, distinct from its primary meaning as a toilet.

Comparing "Potty" and "Pussy" - A Linguistic Radar

To better understand the distinct linguistic characteristics of "potty" and "pussy," let's visualize their attributes across several dimensions. This radar chart assesses aspects like commonality, historical breadth, societal perception, and semantic range.

This radar chart visually represents the differing characteristics of "pussy" and "potty." "Pussy" scores higher on historical depth and taboo due to its ancient feline roots and modern vulgar connotations, while "potty" excels in child-friendly contexts and general everyday usage, with less historical depth and a lower degree of taboo. Both words exhibit a decent semantic range, but their primary associations and societal perceptions are distinct.

A Summary of Meanings and Etymologies

To further clarify the distinct paths of "potty" and "pussy," the following table provides a concise overview of their primary meanings and etymological roots:

Word	Primary Meanings	Etymological Origin(s)	Associated Connotations
Pussy	Cat; female genitalia (vulva/vagina); coward/weakling; affectionate term for a girl	Diminutive of "puss" (cat), from Germanic languages (imitative of cat sounds); possibly Old Norse "pūss" (pocket/purse) for anatomical sense.	Endearing, vulgar, derogatory, soft/furry.
Potty	Child's toilet/receptacle; toilet/bathroom (child-speak); silly/crazy (British English)	Diminutive of "pot" (vessel); "silly/crazy" sense unknown, possibly related to "potter" or "pot" (drinking).	Child-related, functional, playful, informal, nonsensical.

This table highlights the significant divergence in the meanings and origins of "potty" and "pussy." While one is strongly associated with early childhood and bathroom functions, the other has a complex history tied to felines, affection, and explicit anatomical or derogatory uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are "pussy" and "potty" related words?

No, despite some phonetic similarity, "pussy" and "potty" have distinct and largely unrelated etymological origins and meanings. "Pussy" is primarily linked to "cat" and evolved meanings related to female anatomy and cowardice. "Potty" is connected to "pot" (a vessel) and primarily refers to a toilet or the act of using one, particularly for children, or can mean "silly" in British English.

How did "pussy" come to mean both a cat and female genitalia?

"Pussy" as a term for a cat originated from "puss," a call name for cats in Germanic languages. The anatomical meaning (female genitalia) emerged later, around the 18th century, potentially influenced by words meaning "pocket" or "purse" in Old Norse and Old English, or perhaps by the association of cats with softness and warmth.

What does "potty" mean in British English?

In British English, "potty" can mean "silly," "crazy," or "slightly mad." For example, "You'd be potty to do that." This meaning is separate from its common association with toilets and child training in both British and American English.

Is "potty mouth" related to the meaning of "potty" as a toilet?

"Potty mouth" refers to someone who uses offensive or vulgar language. This idiom connects to the broader sense of "potty" as something crude, vulgar, or inappropriate, rather than directly to the physical toilet itself.

Conclusion

The words "potty" and "pussy" serve as excellent examples of the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of language evolution. While "potty" has largely maintained its connection to personal hygiene and, secondarily, a British colloquialism for madness, "pussy" has undergone a far more dramatic semantic journey, transitioning from an affectionate term for a feline to a highly charged and often vulgar reference to female anatomy, alongside its use as a pejorative for weakness. Understanding their distinct etymologies and varied usages highlights the nuanced ways in which words acquire, shed, and transform meanings over time, reflecting cultural shifts and linguistic creativity.