Tabby Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tabby
[ˈtæbi ]
Definitions
type of cat
A tabby is a domestic cat with a distinctive coat featuring stripes, dots, or swirling patterns, often blended with a background color. The term 'tabby' most commonly refers to the coat pattern rather than a specific breed of cat.
Synonyms
mackerel tabby, striped cat, tiger cat.
Examples of usage
- My tabby loves to play with yarn.
- There are several types of tabby patterns.
- She adopted a tabby from the shelter.
fabric type
Tabby can also refer to a type of fabric, particularly silk, characterized by a plain weave with a slight ribbed texture. This type of fabric is often used in clothing, upholstery, and drapery.
Synonyms
plain weave, silk fabric.
Examples of usage
- The dress was made of beautiful tabby silk.
- They chose a tabby fabric for the sofa.
- Her curtains are made from a fine tabby weave.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Breeds
- Tabby is not a specific breed; it's a pattern found in many breeds like Domestic Shorthairs and Maine Coons.
- Common blend colors in tabby cats include classic, mackerel, spotted, and ticked, each with a unique pattern.
Pop Culture
- Famous tabby cats in pop culture include Garfield, the lazy comic strip cat, and the Cheshire Cat from 'Alice in Wonderland'.
- In the 'Peanuts' comic strip, the cat character often portrayed as a tabby adds a touch of humor and charm.
Behavior
- Tabby cats are often recognized for their playful and affectionate nature, making them great companions.
- Their personalities can be quite diverse, often ranging from energetic and social to calm and reserved.
History
- Tabby cats have ancient origins and were often associated with domestic life, aiding in pest control in homes and farms.
- In ancient Egypt, cats were revered, and tabbies, with their beautiful patterns, were particularly admired.
Origin of 'tabby'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tabby' comes from 'tabby cat', which is named after a type of silk from a fabric that was originally patterned.
- The term dates back to the 14th century and initially referred to a kind of striped silk before being associated with cats.
The word 'tabby' comes from the Middle French term 'tabis', which referred to a type of silk fabric that had a wavy, patterned appearance. This fabric was named after Attabiy, a district in Baghdad known for producing such textiles. As the fabric became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, the term 'tabby' gradually shifted from its initial meaning of a fabric to describe the striped or patterned fur of certain cats that resembled the texture of the fabric. The association between the fabric and the coat pattern likely solidified due to the visual similarities. Today, 'tabby' overwhelmingly denotes the coat patterns found in domestic cats, encompassing various styles such as mackerel, classic, spotted, and ticked tabby, while retaining its historical roots in textile descriptions.