Clan terminology

This is a collection of terms used by the Clan cats in their speech. Just as we humans have sayings, the Clan cats have idioms, too, although theirs relate to things found in the world of the Clan cats.
==Clan==
===General terms===
*Carrionplace - A Twoleg dump in the forest territories which is called the North Allerton Amenity Tip in human language.Revealed in the forest territory map A part of ShadowClan territory which is the last resource for fresh-kill in leaf-bare. It is the cause of the Carrionplace sickness.
*Crowfood or crow-food - A dead prey animal that has begun to rot; can also be used as an insult.
*Cutter - A veterinarian, often referred to as one that spays or neuters cats, but this is not always the case.
*Dirt - Feces.
*Fresh-kill - A recently killed prey animal caught for the purpose of consumption. Fresh-kill is hunted by warriors and apprentices, and sometimes elders, and placed on the fresh-kill pile or brought to the elders. Elders, kits, queens, and sick cats eat first, then warriors and apprentices. Extras stay in the fresh-kill pile.
*Fourtrees - A place located in the forest territories, where the territories' corners meet, in which four oaks stand and the Clans gather in peace every full moon.
*Gathering - The monthly meeting of all the Clans when the moon is full. There is a truce on this night, and no fighting is allowed.
*Greenleaf Twolegplace - A place frequently used by Twolegs during summer, such as a resort or camping spot near the lake.
*Halfbridge - A boat dock.
*Horseplace - A place where horses are kept, such as ranches and stables.
*Hunting patrol - A group of cats hunting for fresh-kill to bring back for their Clan to eat. May fight if there are trespassers.
*Kittypet - A domesticated pet cat owned by Twolegs.
*Loner - A cat that lives by itself and does not defend its territory.
*Making dirt - Defecating.
*Monster - A vehicle operated by humans. Often described when cats are near Twolegs or the Thunderpath. Motorboats are sometimes referred to as "water-monsters."
*Monster-kill - Prey killed by monsters on the Thunderpath. Sometimes scavenged by ShadowClan, though it can taste rancid.
*Moonpool - The place near the lake where medicine cats and leaders share tongues with StarClan.
*Moonstone - The place in the forest where medicine cats and leaders shared tongues with StarClan.
*Mothermouth - The opening to the cave where the Moonstone is located.
*Pelt-dens - Tents. Thin dens that Twolegs sleep in at the greenleaf Twolegplace.
*Red stone - A brick or structure made of bricks.
*Rogue - A usually hostile cat who does not have a permanent home, roams around and does not care about crossing Clan boundaries.
*Sharing tongues - Cats grooming each other while sharing the latest gossip. A cat lies on the ground, talking, while the other grooms their fur, listening.
*Sharptooth - A term the Tribe of Rushing Water uses for cougars. They are rarely encountered and more dangerous than eagles.
*She-cat - A female cat.
*Silver boulder - A boulder that, when the silver disc is pulled off, holds Twoleg rubbish. To Twolegs, they are just trash cans/bins.
*Silverpath - Railroads. Only Thundersnakes travel on them.
*Silverpelt - The large swath of stars in the sky (believed to be the Milky Way.) These stars are a direct representation of StarClan.
*Silverthorn - Barbed wire.
*Smooth boulder-thing - Twoleg ball.
*Soft boulder - A pillow or cushion.
*Sun-drown-place - An ocean to the west of the Clans' territories. Also called "sun-drown-water".
*Tree-eater - A bulldozer.
*Thunderpath - A paved road with an extremely acrid smell that cars often go across.
*Thundersnake - A train. They travel strictly on a Silverpath.
*Tom/tomcat - A male cat.
*Twoleg - A human.
*Twoleg kit - A human child.
*Twoleg nest - A human's house.
*Twolegplace - A town, city, or village where Twolegs live.
===Time terms===
*Newleaf - The season of spring.
*Greenleaf - The season of summer.
*Leaf-fall - The season of autumn or fall.
*Leaf-bare - The season of winter.
*Moon - The time between one full moon and the next, spanning about 29 days, or a month.
*Moonhigh - When the moon is the highest in the sky; around midnight.
*Moonrise - The time when the moon rises.
*Half-moon - About two weeks, half a month.
*Quarter-moon - About a week.
*Sunhigh - The point during the day when the sun is highest in the sky; noon.
*Sunrise - One day in cat time (i.e. "One sunrise ago").
*Season - A quarter of a year in cat time. Four seasons equal a year.
*Claw-moon - When the moon resembles the shape of an unsheathed claw, equivalent to the crescent moon.
*Sundown - Dusk.
*Sunup - Dawn. However, "dawn" is still used (for example, in the phrase "dawn patrol.")
===Distance terms===
*Claw-length - About the length of cat's claw; less than an inch (1.5 cm).
*Fox-length - About the length of a fox; approximately a yard (80 cm).
*Frog-length - About the length of a frog; approximately two to four inches (6-10 cm).
*Kittenstep or kitstep - About the length of kit's step; approximately an inch or half-inch (1.25-2.5 cm).
*Rabbit hop or rabbit length - About the length of a rabbit hop; approximately a foot and a half (45 cm).
*Reed-length - About the length of a reed; roughly five feet or less (1.5 m).
*Mouse-length - About the length of a mouse; approximately two or three inches (5-7.5 cm).
*Muzzle-length - About the length of a cat's muzzle; approximately one inch (2.54 cm).
*Pawstep - About the length of a grown cat's step; roughly six inches (15 cm).
*Tail-length - About the length of a cat's tail; approximately a foot (30 cm).
*Tree-length - About the length of a tree; around 40 to 50 feet (15 m).
*Whisker-length - About the length of a cat's whisker; less than two inches (5 cm).
===Insults, exclamations, & phrases===
*As easy as swallowing a minnow - A phrase used to indicate easiness of a task.
*As much use as a dead fox - A harsh insult, meaning the recipient is useless.
*Bat-blind - An insult to a cat's eyesight, similar to the phrase "As blind as a bat."
*Bee-brain - An insult about a cat's intelligence or decision-making capabilities, similar to the phrase "bees in your brain."
*Bees in your brain - An exclamation meaning confusion or a cat not making sense. (i.e., "you've got bees in your brain!")
*Buzzardfood - Alternative of crowfood, used before the start of the Clans.
*Chickfeed - Alternative of crowfood, used before the start of the Clans.
*Cleanpaw - A scornful insult used for someone who sticks to the rules closely.
*Clan-swapper/Clan-swapping - An insulting term used for cats who switch Clans or the action of switching Clans.
*Crazier than hares - An expression meaning a cat has unsound judgment.
*Crowfood - A harsh insult comparing the recipient to rotting prey animals (as in "I'll turn you into crowfood!"), or suggesting that they eat it (as in "Crowfood-eater.")
*Don't get your whiskers in a twist - An expression used to tell someone not to get upset over a trivial matter. Equivalent to "Don't get your knickers in a twist."
*Doesn't matter a whisker/Doesn't catch so much as a whisker - An expression meaning the cat does not care (i.e. "It didn't matter a whisker that she didn't share their beliefs.") Similar to "I don't give a mousetail," or saying that a patrol did not catch anything.
*Dormouse - An expression and exclamation used against a cat who sleeps a lot.
*Drypaw - A cat that dislikes getting wet, usually used in RiverClan.Revealed in the Warriors App
*Dungface - A harsh insult.
*Dungheart - An insult meaning cruel, cold-hearted, or evil.
*Extra egg in the nest - An unwanted additional cat in a group. Similar to "Third wheel".
*Featherbrain - A term used by WindClan cats, equivalent to "mouse-brain."
*Fishface, fishfur or fish-breath - An insult used against RiverClan warriors.
*Fish-hearted - RiverClan equivalent of "Fox-hearted."
*Fish-licker - An insult used against RiverClan warriors.
*Flea-brain - A friendly, yet harsh insult. The severity of the insult is almost always dependent on tone.
*Fluff-brained - A term equivalent to "Mouse-brain."
*Foxbreath - An insult used to compare the recipient's breath to that of a fox.
*Fox-dung - A harsh insult comparing the recipient to fox feces. Also used as an exclamation (as in "That's fox-dung!")
*Fox-heart(ed) - An insult meaning cruel, cold-hearted, or evil (as in "fox-hearted Twolegs.")
*Frog-dirt and fish-guts - An exclamation used in RiverClan, has the same meaning as "Thistles and thorns."
*Frog-dung - Same as "Fox-dung," except its usage is more common in RiverClan.
*Frog-eater - An insult used against ShadowClan warriors.
*Frog-heart - RiverClan equivalent of "Fox-heart."
*Furball - A friendly, yet harsh insult. The severity of the insult is almost always decided by tone.
*Fuzz-brain - A friendly, but harsh insult. The severity of the insult is almost always decided by tone.
*Goody-four-paws/Goody four-paws - A derogatory term used to describe an ostentatiously virtuous or well-behaved cat. Equivalent to "Goody two shoes."
*Got a fox by the tail - A phrase used to indicate being in a dangerous situation or associated with a dangerous cat.
*Gray-pelts - A derogatory term used against elders and senior warriors.
*Great StarClan! - An exclamation used to signify extreme surprise or anger. Similar to "Oh my god!" in usage and to the fact that they both have mention of a higher force.
*Hare-brain - An insult similar to mouse-brain.
*Hare-dung - Used as an exclamation, similar to "Mouse-dung." Somewhat like "Darn it!"
*How in Silverpelt? - An exclamation used meaning "How in the world?"
*I don't give a mousetail/They wouldn't give a mousetail - An exclamation meaning that the cat does not care. Another variation is "I would ____ for a couple of mousetails," meaning that they are willing to do the inserted action for no real reward. Can also mean that a cat would be stingy enough not to share a mousetail.
*In all the stars - An exclamation of disbelief.
*It's as dark as a fox's heart - A phrase used to describe darkness.
*It's better to scare off a mouse than welcome a badger - An old nursery saying that means that it is better to scare away a friendly cat than welcome a not-so-friendly cat.
*Kill two prey with one blow - Meaning to solve two problems with one action or solution. Equivalent to "Kill two birds with one stone.
*Like LionClan/TigerClan - An expression stating that a cat does something very fiercely or well.
*Load of fox-dung - Referring to something that is not true, a mass of lies. Bears the same meaning as "That's a load of badger droppings."
*Load of thistledown - Referring to something that is not true, a mass of lies. A more lighthearted variant of "Load of fox-dung."
*Make dirt - To use the bathroom, or the dirtplace in warrior terms.
*May StarClan light your path/Banish all the fleas from your nest - A friendly term used to wish others well.
*May the Sun warm your back and the fish leap into your paws - A blessing used in RiverClan to wish good dreams or, in some instances, to say farewell to a deceased cat.
*May you find good hunting, swift-running, and shelter when you sleep - An ancient farewell used by all the Clans, to say goodbye to loved ones on their way to StarClan.
*Mice and moonlight- A phrase that means easy and carefree.
*Minnow-brain - An insult that is friendly but harsh. A RiverClan version of "Mouse-brain."
*Mouse-brain - A friendly, yet harsh insult. The severity of the insult is almost always decided by tone.
*Mouse-breath - An insult possibly used to intimidate someone.
*Mouse-dung - A somewhat harsh insult comparing the recipient to mouse feces. Also used as an exclamation (as in "Mouse-dung! That can't be right!") Somewhat like "Darn it!"
*Mouse-hearted - An insult that describes one who is cowardly.
*Mousefodder - An insult describing that the cat is worthless or a kittypet.
*Once a kittypet, always a kittypet! - A harsh phrase used to describe a cat with kittypet roots.
*(Only) StarClan knows (what) - Sometimes used in response to a question that is impossible to answer. Similar to "only god knows what," "only god knows," and "god knows."
*One piece of prey in (one's) paws is worth two in a tree - A phrase meaning that it is better to hold onto something one has than to risk losing it by trying to get something better. Equivalent to "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
*Pain in the tail - An insult meaning a cat is irritating or lazy.
*Pulling my/your whiskers - A phrase meaning to make someone believe something that is not true as a joke. Equivalent to "Pulling my/your leg."
*Rabbit-brain - An insult that is friendly but harsh. A WindClan version of mouse-brain.
*Rabbit-chasers - A less harsh insult used in ShadowClan to describe WindClan.
*Rub mouse bile into the wound - An expression meaning to make a situation more distressing or painful for someone else by drawing attention to the problem. Equivalent to "Rub salt in the wound."
*Scaredy-mouse - A similar expression to "scaredy-cat," referring to a cat easily frightened.
*Scaredy-sparrow - Same as the term "scaredy-mouse."
*Shredded (you) into mousedust! - A term meaning to gravely injure or rip someone to shreds.
*Slender reed to lean on - A phrase meaning that something is unlikely to occur.
*Smart-ears - A friendly insult.
*Snake-heart(ed) - Similar to the term "fox-hearted," generally used by RiverClan.
*Snake-tongue - An insult meaning cold or unfair; similar to "fox-hearted" or "snake-hearted," used by ShadowClan.
*Sorry catches no prey or Sorry fills no bellies - Means cats can be sorry, but that it will not change the past.
*StarClan above! - An exclamation of astonishment or extreme surprise.
*StarClan-cursed (thing) - A phrase somewhat similar to "god-forsaken (thing)."
*StarClan-forsaken (place) - A phrase with similar meaning to "god-forsaken (place)."
*StarClan's kits! - An exclamation of surprise or disbelief. Sometimes used as an exclamation if a cat is hurt.
*StarClan in the sky! - An exclamation of astonishment.
*Stirring up a bee's nest - A phrase meaning a cat is looking for trouble or starting it.
*Sunshine and daisies - A phrase describing overly positive things with a connotation of unrealistic expectations. Equivalent to "Sunshine and rainbows."
*Squirrel-chasers - A phrase used to describe ThunderClan cats, used in RiverClan.
*Tabbies don't change their stripes - Meaning that a cat does not change their nature. Equivalent to "A leopard can't change his spots."
*Tail-licker - An insult intended for a cat who is sucking up, similar to the term "Bootlicker."
*(That's a) load of badger droppings - A harsh exclamation saying that something is nonsense.
*That's just bat droppings - A harsh exclamation saying that something is nonsense.
*(They'll) have my pelt for bedding - A phrase that means a cat will get in a lot of trouble.
*Thistles and thorns - Used to describe bad luck (as in: "Thistles and thorns! I blew it"!); similar to "Darn it" or "Mouse-dung."
*Thistle-fluff - A harsh insult.
*Toad-brain - Similar to mouse-brain.
*Thundercat - Used by ShadowClan to describe a ThunderClan cat.
*Waiting for the bone in the prey - A phrase that means waiting for the actual (negative) cost/price of an action. Similar to "Waiting for the other shoe to drop."
*Weasel heart - A harsh insult, sometimes used to describe cats from other Clans.
*Webfoot - An insult used against RiverClan warriors.
*We'll cross that river if we come to it - A phrase meaning not to worry about a possible problem until it actually happens. Equivalant to "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
*What in StarClan's name? - An exclamation of disbelief. Similar to "What on earth?" or "What in the world?"
*When hedgehogs will fly - An exclamation style statement that shows disbelief that a certain event will likely occur (as in "That will happen when hedgehogs fly,") used in many variations. Equivalent to "When pigs fly!"
*Who ruffled their fur/made dirt in their fresh kill/nest? - A phrase to describe a cranky or suddenly moody cat. Equivalent to "Who got under their skin?"
*Worm-weasel - A harsh insult.
*Wild rabbit hunt - A phrase referring to a foolish and hopeless search for or pursuit of something unattainable. Equivalent to "Wild goose chase."
*Would've made/will make mousemeat out of you! - To badly injure or rip to shreds. Similar to "Mousedust."
*You fight/hunt like a kittypet! - An expression used to insult or tease a cat who fights or hunts poorly.
*(You're) crazier than a fox in a fit! - An insult used when a cat (or cats) are acting crazy. Another variation uses "madder" instead of "crazier."
===Living spaces===
*Camp - The place where a Clan makes their permanent home.
*Leader's den - The den in a camp that belongs to the Clan leader.
*Medicine den - The den in a camp that belongs to the Clan's medicine cat(s) and their apprentice. Also referred to as the "medicine cat's den."
*Warriors' den - The den in camp that is shared between the warriors and the deputy of that Clan.
*Apprentices' den - The den in camp that is shared between the apprentices of that Clan.
*Elders' den - The den in camp that is shared between the elders of that Clan.
*Nursery - The den in camp that is shared by the queens and kits of that Clan.
*Dirtplace - The place near the camp where cats go to urinate or excrete.
*Fresh-kill pile - The place, usually in the center of the camp, where the warriors drop the prey they caught while hunting, so it is easily accessible to all the cats in the Clan.
===Clan ranks===
*Kit - A kitten younger than six moons.
*Apprentice - A cat at least six moons old, and in training to be a warrior or a medicine cat.
*Warrior - A mature cat who has completed their warrior training. A she-cat is considered a warrior when she is not currently expecting or nursing a tom's kits.
*Mentor - A warrior who is currently training an apprentice.
*Queen - A she-cat with kits to take care of or who is pregnant with kits, or stays in the nursery helping other queens even though they have no kits.
*Elder - Cats who cannot hunt or fight anymore, sometimes due to injury, loss of sight, sickness, or who are just too old to do their warrior duties. They are treated with great respect in the Clan. The apprentices in the Clan take fresh-kill to them, pick out their fleas, and change their bedding.
*Medicine cat - A cat who heals injuries and/or illnesses, who is skilled with herbs and natural cures and sometimes receives special signs or prophecies from StarClan.
*Deputy - A warrior who is second in command to the leader, helping the leader in their tasks and replacing them after their death or resignation. They organize patrols and make reports to the leader, and are known to be given apprentices frequently.
*Leader - A cat who controls the entire Clan. A leader is granted nine lives by StarClan so they "can be first in every battle and last to take a piece of fresh-kill", giving them extra time to serve and lead their Clan.
==Guardian cats terminology==
===Time terms===
*Warmingtime - The season of spring.
*Night-chill - The season of autumn or fall.
*Ice-chill - The season of winter.
==Sister terminology==
===General terms===
*Everkit - Kittypet.
*Twopaw - Twoleg.
*Twopawplace - Twolegplace.
===Time terms===
*Leafrise - The season of spring.
*Leafshine - The season of summer.
*Icetime - The season of winter.
===Living spaces===
*Prey-hole - Fresh-kill pile.
*Sick den - A den where sick cats sleep.
*Birthing den - Equivalent to a Clan's nursery.
==Wildcat terminology==
===General terms===
*Guide - A spirit cat assigned to watch over a particular wildcat.
*Rumble beast - A vehicle operated by humans.
*Strangecat - A term used for cats who are not wildcats.
===Insults, exclamations, & phrases===
*Spirit-cursed (thing) - An expression somewhat similar to "god-forsaken."
==Trivia==
===Interesting facts===
*There is questionable evidence if cats know what Twoleg hands are, as they have used "hand" and "paw" interchangeably.
==See also==
*General Tribe terminology
==External links==
*
==Notes and references==
de:Begriffe
fi:Klaanien termit
fr:Glossaire
nl:Taalgebruik
ru:Терминология
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uk:Словник котячих термінів
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pt-br:Terminologia do Clã
Category:Reference
Category:Clan life