Did the cat choke? - briefly
The phrase "Did the cat choke?" is commonly used in internet slang as an expression of surprise or disbelief, rather than a literal inquiry about a feline's health. It originates from a viral video where a cat appears to be choking on food, leading to its widespread adoption as a meme and subsequent integration into online vernacular.
Did the cat choke? - in detail
The phrase "Did the cat choke?" is commonly used as an idiomatic expression in English, particularly within the context of sports and competition. The term originates from the sport of curling, where a player can intentionally cause their team's stone (the "cat") to become lodged or stuck in the house (the target area), thereby preventing the opposing team from scoring points. This strategic maneuver is referred to as "choking" because it effectively blocks the path for the other team's stones, much like a physical obstruction would choke off a passageway.
In curling, the goal is typically to get one's stone closest to the center of the house, or "button." However, in certain situations, a player might opt to employ this tactic if they believe that their team has already secured enough points to win the game, or if they are attempting to prevent the opposing team from scoring additional points. This strategic play is often used when a team is leading by a significant margin and wants to ensure victory without risking any further challenges from their opponents.
The use of the phrase "Did the cat choke?" extends beyond the sport of curling and has become a colloquial expression in broader contexts, often employed to describe situations where one party intentionally creates an obstacle or hindrance to prevent another party from achieving success or progressing further. For example, it might be used in business settings to describe competitive tactics aimed at thwarting the advancements of rival companies.
In summary, "Did the cat choke?" is a colorful and strategic expression borrowed from the world of curling, where it refers to a specific play designed to block the opponent's progress. This idiom has since transcended its original context and now finds application in various other scenarios to describe deliberate attempts at hindering or obstructing one's opponents.