Why don't you like cats - you just know how to cook them, where did this phrase come from? - briefly
The phrase "You don't like cats, you just know how to cook them" originates from the 1987 film "The Witches of Eastwick." In the movie, the character Jack Nicholson's Daryl Van Horne uses this line, which has since become a well-known quote in popular culture. The phrase is often used to humorously insinuate that someone's dislike for a particular subject might be due to a hidden, sinister knowledge rather than a genuine aversion.
Why don't you like cats - you just know how to cook them, where did this phrase come from? - in detail
The phrase "You don't like cats, you just know how to cook them" is a humorous and somewhat dark idiom that has circulated in various forms and cultures. Its origin is not definitively traced to a single source, but it can be understood through the lens of cultural folklore and linguistic evolution.
The idiom likely emerged from a blend of cultural attitudes towards animals, particularly cats, and culinary practices. In many societies, cats have been both revered and reviled, depending on the historical period and cultural setting. For instance, in ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped and held sacred, while in medieval Europe, they were often associated with witchcraft and superstition. This duality in perception may have contributed to the development of such a phrase.
The phrase itself is a play on words, suggesting that the speaker's dislike for cats is so profound that they might even consider them as potential ingredients for a meal. This is, of course, a hyperbolic statement meant to emphasize the intensity of the dislike rather than to literally imply cannibalistic tendencies. The humor derives from the absurdity of the suggestion, as cooking cats is not a common or acceptable practice in most cultures.
The phrase may also be tied to older folklore and proverbs that use animals as metaphors for human characteristics or behaviors. For example, in some cultures, cats are associated with cunning or independence, and phrases involving cats might be used to comment on these traits. The specific wording of "You don't like cats, you just know how to cook them" could have evolved from such proverbs, adapted over time to fit modern sensibilities and linguistic styles.
Additionally, the phrase might be influenced by the broader tradition of using food and cooking as metaphors in language. Many idioms and expressions involve food, as it is a universal human experience that lends itself well to metaphorical use. The idea of "cooking" something can imply transforming or dealing with it in a particular way, and in this case, the transformation is taken to an extreme and humorous level.
In summary, the phrase "You don't like cats, you just know how to cook them" is a product of cultural attitudes towards animals, linguistic evolution, and the use of food metaphors. It reflects a blend of historical perceptions of cats, the absurdity of the suggestion, and the universal human experience of food and cooking. While its exact origin is unclear, its meaning and humor are rooted in these broader cultural and linguistic trends.