pussy

IPA/ˈpʊsi/
KK[pˈʊsi]IPA/ˈpʊsi/

pussy — noun

  • pussysingular
  • pussiesplural

1. a cat — this word is most often used by young children, or by adults when speaki

1.nounA2
Definition

a cat — this word is most often used by young children, or by adults when speaking gently and playfully to a child about a cat

Example

Gabriel told his little girl, 'Look at the pretty pussy sleeping on the sofa.'

child's word for a cat, usually with young children

Minho's younger sister calls every orange cat she sees a 'pussy' because she loves animals so much.

Common collocations
  • fluffy pussy
  • little pussy
  • white pussy
  • pussy cat
Synonyms
  • cat

    the standard, neutral word for the animal; safe in any context

  • kitty

    also childish or affectionate, but less likely to be confused with offensive meanings

  • feline

    formal or scientific term; used in writing about cats as a species

Usage Note

兒童用語（非正式；親切；對兒童說話時使用）。This sense is harmless and affectionate, but the same word also has rude and offensive meanings. Adults should be cautious about using this word in public, as listeners may misunderstand.

Common Mistakes

I saw a pussy in the garden this morning.' (said to a colleague at work).
I saw a cat in the garden this morning.
the word "pussy" sounds childish and can be interpreted as a rude word in adult conversation, especially with people you do not know well.

2. the outer sex organs of a woman or girl — this is a rude slang word that should

2.nounB2
Definition

the outer sex organs of a woman or girl — this is a rude slang word that should be avoided in polite, formal, or professional settings

Example

The teacher explained that the word 'pussy' is rude slang and students should not use it during class discussions.

slang term for female genitals, considered rude in most contexts

Lan felt uncomfortable when the man next to her kept using the word 'pussy' instead of the proper medical term.

Synonyms
  • vagina

    the standard medical term; appropriate in clinical, educational, and formal contexts

  • vulva

    a more precise medical term for the external female genitals

  • private parts

    a polite, child-friendly euphemism for the genitals

Usage Note

粗魯用語（粗魯；禁忌；應避免在正式或禮貌場合使用）。This is a very rude word. Do not use it in formal writing, at work, at school, or with people you do not know well. The medical terms 'vagina' and 'vulva' are the correct words to use in healthcare and educational settings. Many people find this word offensive even in casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

The doctor asked if she had any pain in her pussy.
The doctor asked if she had any pain in her vagina.
'vagina' is the correct medical term to use with healthcare professionals.
He wrote "pussy" in his school health report.
He wrote "vagina" in his school health report.
using slang in school assignments is inappropriate and may lead to disciplinary action.

3. sexual activity with a woman, especially when referred to in a deliberately crud

3.nounC1
Definition

sexual activity with a woman, especially when referred to in a deliberately crude, degrading, or objectifying way — this word is strongly offensive and using it is likely to cause serious anger or distress

Example

The radio station apologized after a guest used the word 'pussy' as a crude way to describe having sex.

offensive slang for sexual intercourse with a woman

Adaeze explained that calling sex 'pussy' is degrading because it reduces women to objects rather than people.

Synonyms
  • sex

    the neutral, standard word for sexual activity; safe in any register

  • sexual intercourse

    the formal term, appropriate in medical, educational, and formal writing

  • sleeping with

    a polite euphemism; less direct but respectful

Usage Note

冒犯用語（冒犯；粗俗；貶義）。This is a highly offensive word that degrades women by treating them purely as sexual objects. Using it is likely to cause serious offence, damage relationships, and have professional consequences. The neutral terms 'sex,' 'sexual intercourse,' or 'sleeping with someone' are appropriate alternatives. Never use this word in polite company or professional environments.

Common Mistakes

They had pussy last night after the party.' (as a neutral statement).
They had sex last night after the party.
'have sex' is the neutral, non-offensive way to refer to sexual activity. Using 'pussy' turns a neutral statement into a degrading one.
He keeps talking about getting pussy.
He keeps talking about sleeping with women.
the word 'pussy' in this sense objectifies women and should be replaced with respectful alternatives.

pussy — adjective

Word family

  • pussycat
    nounA2
  • pussy willow
    nounB1
  • pus
    nounB2
  • purulent
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All three alternatives refer to female genitals but differ sharply in register and appropriate context. 'Vagina' is the standard medical term for the internal canal and is widely used in healthcare, sex education, and formal writing — it is neutral and factual. 'Vulva' is more anatomically precise, referring specifically to the external genitals (labia, clitoris, vaginal opening); it is the correct term when describing the outer parts rather than the internal canal. 'Private parts' is a polite, child-friendly euphemism used to avoid naming body parts directly — suitable for family conversations or primary school settings. In contrast, 'pussy' is rude slang that should never replace any of these words in formal, medical, educational, or polite contexts. For example: 'The doctor examined her vagina' is correct; 'The doctor examined her pussy' is highly inappropriate.

vagina ↗vulva ↗private parts

Common collocations

Phrases

  • pussy cat
  • pussy willow

Etymology

GermanicOld EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The noun 'pussy' meaning 'cat' comes from an old English word 'puss' (cat), which may imitate the sound people make to call a cat. The rude noun meanings ('vagina' and 'sex') probably come from a different source — possibly from an old Scandinavian word meaning 'pocket' or 'bag,' which was later used as a crude slang term. The adjective meaning 'containing pus' is completely unrelated: it comes from the noun 'pus' (the thick liquid from an infection) plus the suffix '-y,' and is pronounced with a different vowel sound (/ʌ/ as in 'cup,' not /ʊ/ as in 'put').