Mike Clinton
Introduction: The Mystery of a Group of Cats
Have you ever wondered what a group of cats is called? It may seem like a simple question, but the answer is not straightforward. While most animals have a common term for their collective noun, the same cannot be said for cats. A group of cats can be referred to as a clowder, a glaring, a pounce, or a kindle, among others. However, one term that is often used, albeit less commonly, is "chowder." But why is that?
Origins of the Term "Chowder"
The term "chowder" has an interesting origin story. It is derived from the French word "chaudière," which means a cauldron or a cooking pot. In the 16th century, fishermen from France and England who worked along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean would make a seafood stew in a large pot called a chaudière. This stew, which consisted of fish, vegetables, and sometimes potatoes, came to be known as "chowder." The term eventually spread beyond seafood and came to be used for other types of stews and soups.
Historical Usage of "Chowder" for Animals
The use of the term "chowder" for a group of cats dates back to the 19th century. In 1836, a book titled "The Complete Measurer" by William Hawes stated that a "chowder of cats" was a common term. It is unclear why the term was used specifically for cats, but it is possible that it was because of the association with the seafood stew, which was also known as "chowder."
Linguistic Evolution of the Term
Over time, the term "chowder" for a group of cats fell out of use. Today, it is more commonly associated with the seafood stew. However, there are still some instances where the term is used for cats, albeit rarely. It is possible that the term fell out of use because it was not as commonly recognized as other terms such as "clowder" or "pounce."
The Connection to Seafood Chowder
The connection between the term "chowder" for a group of cats and the seafood stew is interesting. It is possible that the term was used because cats were commonly kept on fishing boats to control mice and rats. The fishermen who made the chowder may have referred to the cats as a "chowder" in a playful nod to the dish they were making.
Regional Variations in Naming a Group of Cats
In addition to "chowder," there are several other terms used to describe a group of cats. These vary by region and include "clutter" (UK), "glaring" (US), "kindle" (US), and "pounce" (US). The choice of term may depend on the dialect or local traditions.
Other Uncommon Collective Nouns for Cats
Cats are unique in that they have several unusual collective nouns associated with them. Some other examples include a "clutter" of cats (UK), a "glaring" of cats (US), a "kindle" of kittens (US), a "dowt" of cats (Scotland), and a "destruction" of cats (Australia). These terms are not as commonly used as "clowder" or "pounce."
Similarities with Other Animal Group Names
The use of collective nouns for animals is not unique to cats. In fact, many other animals have unusual terms for their groups. For example, a group of rhinoceroses is called a "crash," a group of flamingos is called a "flamboyance," and a group of crows is called a "murder." Like the term "chowder," the origins of these terms are often unknown.
The Impact of Popular Culture on the Term
The use of the term "chowder" for a group of cats may have been influenced by popular culture. In the animated TV series "Chowder," which aired from 2007 to 2010, the main character is a young apprentice chef who makes various dishes, including a seafood chowder. The fact that the show featured a dish called "chowder" may have helped to popularize the term.
Conclusion: The Enigmatic "Chowder"
In conclusion, the term "chowder" for a group of cats is a somewhat enigmatic term with unclear origins. While it may have been used in the past, it has largely fallen out of use and is now a less common term. Despite this, it remains an interesting linguistic quirk that highlights the diversity of collective nouns used for animals.