I have recently heard this expression being used to describe something that is good (12 yr old Scotch) “You have to try this…it’s the cat’s ass”. Now what I want to know is how this expression was started and what does the quality of Scotch have to do with the hairy hind quarters of a feline??
There are only two things that are infinite…the Universe and Man’s stupidity…I’m not sure about the Universe though.
The phrase “cat’s pyjamas” may sound too dated? Rhymes with “rat’s ass”? I think every perfectly serviceable phrase should have the word "ass’ appended to it to make it more hip and current. [/snippy tone]
Did you really research your answer, or are you flying by the seat of your ass?
What about “The Cat’s Meow” was that ever in fashion? I like the sound of this better than the view of the first.
Are you driving with your eyes open or are you using The Force? - A. Foley
Arnold - That’s got to be the most rude-ass response to a half-assed answer to a dumb-ass question I’ve ever seen. 
(God, I hate smilies, but sometimes you just have to make it clear that you’re just kidding)
Arnold: Which part is the seat part of an ass, smart-ass? 
Ursa: LMAO!
And Ursa, who are you calling half-assed, you big bear-ass? I think that answer was ass-tute.
eden: when I said “seat of your ass”, I was referring to the donkey.
You’re right. I’m sorry. I feel like such a…
Arnold: Of course you were. My bad-ass.
Sorry. I just thought this thread needed a few ass-terisks.
–It was recently discovered that research causes cancer in rats.
Ass-tute, my ass! It was obviously just a wild-ass guess.
This thread is ass-stounding! Ass another ass-tounding question of our ass-tute (“ass-toot”?) ass-embly!
During WWII, the U.Ass.A built a prototype fighter that was in the canard configuration. It was called the “Ascender”. Since the “wings were on backwards” (the horizontal stab is in front), I wonder about the double entendre…
Oops. I didn’t mean to use “ass-tounding” twi-ass. I feel like such an ass!
I know the the Straight Dopers are an Ass-tute bunch but I really want to know where this phrase originated. So please give me some answers that I can ass-imilate and know more puns please…
Ass you wish!
“Cat’s meow” and “cat’s pyjamas” is probably the source, as mentioned above. Some joker probably just thought “cat’s ass” sounded better. I’ve never heard the phrase myself.
Perhaps “cat’s pyjamas” refers to how well cats fit their skin?
I’ve heard the phrase, but not very often, and not for a while.
Another WAG:
Cats are notoriously finicky about what they’ll eat, yet they’re always licking their own asses. For that reason, a cat’s ass must be the best-tasting thing it knows.
I guess one has to really put content into one’s posts around here to get them locked up.
Ray (I was always curious as to whether hackers had come up with a skeleton key for all the locks aroung here.)
From Opalcat’s Inside Jokes page: (http://fathom.org/teemingmillions/injokes.html)
Where ever you are now, Bermuda999, this threads for you.
–John
'Twis brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gymble in the wabe.
Mimsy were the borogroves,
And the momeraths outgrabe.