Wildcat

[pluto]

According to Webster's:

wildcat 1 a: either of two cats (Felis sylvestris of Europe and F. ocreata of Africa) that resemble but are heavier in build than the domestic tabby cat b: any of various small or medium-sized cats (as the lynx or ocelot)

(I hope I got all the UBB right in that.)

So apparently there is a particular species (well, two) referred to as wildcat, although the general definition also holds.

Still, I'm not sure sports mascots are the best guide for proper English usage.


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He that questioneth much shall learn much, and content much; but especially if he apply his questions to the skill of the persons whom he asketh; for he shall give them occasion to please themselves in speaking, and himself shall continually gather knowledge. But let his questions not be troublesome, for that is fit for a poser; and let him be sure to leave other men their turns to speak.
Francis Bacon

[Ursa Major]

We call them Bobcats in California. Bigger than a housecat but smaller than a great cat (which we call cougars 'round these parts).

[aha]

BeatleMaybe they're named after exploratory oil and gas wells.

Well they have a print of a wildcat of some kind on their helmets.

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"Look honey, there's the little dipper, I'd show you the big dipper but my zipper is stuck."
-aha

[Bricker]

Maybe they're named after exploratory oil and gas wells.

Hey, Look Me Over? :)

[Boris B]

Aha, I think you're getting wildcats confused with wild cats. It's that little space that makes a difference. You know, like there is a difference between a wildebeest and a wilde beast. Or something.

[Ursa Major]

Were Algernon and Ernest wilde beasts?

[Bricker]

Were Algernon and Ernest wilde beasts?

Oscar certainly was, I hear.

- Rick

[aha]

A neighboring community has a football team named the "Wildcats". Wouldn't that team name include every kind of cat ever born with the exception of the domestic cat? Wouldn't a "wildcat" be all kinds of cats..ie lions, tigers, panthers,bobcats,I guess my question is, is there a breed of cat in nature that is simply called a "wildcat"?
And btw anyone know what the hell a wampus cat is or how it came to be?

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"Look honey, there's the little dipper, I'd show you the big dipper but my zipper is stuck."
-aha

[Ringo]

Maybe they're named after exploratory oil and gas wells.

[aha]

Or some good ole' fruitjar whiskey.. :)