What does "catty" mean?
A (unit of) weight used in China which is metricated in Mainland China as exactly 0.5 kg, and approximately 0.6 kg for other places.
Catty
/ˈkæti/ adj, name, noun, slang
adj, name, noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A (unit of) weight used in China which is metricated in Mainland China as exactly 0.5 kg, and approximately 0.6 kg for other places.
- Grammar: catty is listed as adj, name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: abusive, active, agile, back-biting.
- Useful contrasts: complimentary, courteous, kind.
- Usage evidence: Tom made a catty joke about Mary's dress being from a thrift shop.
How to use "catty"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "catty" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "catty" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "catty" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "catty" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "catty" is acting as adj, name, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abusive" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "catty", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A (unit of) weight used in China which is metricated in Mainland China as exactly 0.5 kg, and approximately 0.6 kg for other places.
"16 Mess, make a Tale, which here is 20 s. English, 5 Tale make a Bancal, a weight so called, and 20 Bancal make a Catty, another weight."
- 2 A catapult. slang
"“Give me your slingshot, and I'll let you have it back after school this afternoon,” she said firmly. […] I stuck the 'catty' into my back pocket and ran outside to meet the others."
- 3 any of various units of weight used in southeastern Asia (especially a Chinese measure equal to 500 grams) wordnet
Adjective
- 1 With subtle hostility in an effort to hurt, annoy, or upset, particularly among women. informal
"“So leave your umbrellas at home 'cause we're gonna be drier than my favorite varietal of white wine, pinot gris.” “Hmm. Interesting. According to my research, precipitation is a-coming.” “So Harry's wrong?” “I don't want to be a catty bitch, but kind of, yeah.” “Meow, Ham.”"
- 2 Resembling or characteristic of a cat. informal
"a catty smell"
Adjective
- 1 marked by or arising from malice wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 The borough of Catasauqua in Pennsylvania. US, colloquial
Antonyms
Example
"Tom made a catty joke about Mary's dress being from a thrift shop."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "catty"?
Common synonyms include: abusive, active, agile, back-biting, belittling, bitchiest.
How do you use "catty" in a sentence?
Tom made a catty joke about Mary's dress being from a thrift shop.
How do you pronounce "catty"?
Pronounced /ˈkæti/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From cat + -y. Compare Dutch kattig (“catty”); in sense “hostility”, see catfight.
Etymology 2
From Malay kati, from Tamil கட்டி (kaṭṭi).
Etymology 3
Diminutive + -y.