A dead cat what for? - briefly
The question "A dead cat what for?" is often used in informal or humorous contexts to express confusion or disbelief about a situation or statement. It can be translated as "What do you mean by that?" or "Why would you say/do something like that?"
A dead cat what for? - in detail
The phrase "a dead cat what for?" is an idiomatic expression that originates from the world of finance and investment, specifically in the context of short selling. Short selling is a trading strategy where an investor borrows shares of a stock they believe will decrease in value, sells them immediately, and then buys them back later at a lower price to return them to the lender, profiting from the difference.
The idiom "a dead cat what for?" is used to describe a situation where investors are short selling a particular stock because it is perceived to be overvalued or likely to decline in value. The term "dead cat" metaphorically refers to a stock that is expected to fall dramatically, similar to how a cat might not survive a significant fall. Investors who engage in this practice are essentially asking, "Why would I want a dead cat (a declining stock)?"
This phrase encapsulates the pessimistic outlook of some investors on certain stocks or markets. It serves as a warning sign for other investors to be cautious and consider the potential risks associated with investing in such securities. Additionally, it reflects the dynamic nature of financial markets, where investor sentiment can significantly impact stock prices.
In summary, "a dead cat what for?" is a colloquial expression used in finance to describe the act of short selling a stock that is expected to decline sharply. It underscores the negative expectations and potential risks associated with certain investments in the financial market.