Why is a cat called a cat and a dog a dog? - briefly
The names "cat" and "dog" are derived from Old English words "catt" and "docga," respectively. These terms have evolved over time to become the common names we use today for these domesticated animals.
Why is a cat called a cat and a dog a dog? - in detail
The names "cat" and "dog" have evolved over time through a combination of cultural, linguistic, and historical factors.
In the case of cats, the modern English word "cat" derives from the Old English word "catt," which in turn originates from the Late Latin word "catta." This Latin term is believed to have been borrowed from the Greek word "καττα" (katta), which means "domestic cat." The Greek word itself may have been derived from an earlier language, possibly Egyptian or Phoenician. Over time, as cats became common pets in various cultures, their name was adopted and modified to fit different languages.
For dogs, the situation is somewhat similar. The modern English word "dog" comes from Old English "docga," which is related to the German word "Dogge" or "Dogue," meaning "large hound." This term likely originated from Proto-Germanic "*dukkōn," which is thought to be an onomatopoeic word imitating the sound of a dog's bark. As dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, their name has evolved alongside human language and culture, reflecting our close relationship with these animals.
Both cats and dogs have played significant roles in human society throughout history, leading to their names becoming deeply ingrained in various languages. The evolution of these names reflects not only the linguistic changes but also the cultural significance of these animals in different eras.