Spotlight on Students: Origins and Meanings of American Idioms

This post highlights the work required of my SA 202: Introduction to Anthropology students. Students were given the opportunity to research and identify the origins and meanings of a specific American phrase that they selected. Several students were given the opportunity to have their exemplary work featured on the blog, and the students who provided permission have their work featured here in this and the following blog posts. Please show your appreciation for their work through the comments.

The phrase "can't teach an old dog new tricks" came from a dog training manual, but it has morphed into referring to any individual who refuses to learn (Image Source: Pritchett Cartoons)

By: Bianca Ekholm

For this discussion, I chose the phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." I chose this phrase because it is a phrase that I have heard many times before, but I have never learned the actual meaning of it. I have always taken this term more literally and assumed that it meant that it is easier to teach a young person new things than it is an older person who might not care to learn anymore. After conducting research, I learned that I was somewhat correct in my original definition. The phrase has a long history, with some historians tracing its origins back to a 1523 book by an Englishman named Fitzherbert, which focused on animal care. The book was specifically referring to training a dog to follow a scent. The phrase was originally written in a more literal manner as older dogs are not as physically or mentally capable of learning new skills or tricks as younger dogs. Today, the phrase means that it is often hard to change a persons already developed habits or characteristics in order to teach them something new. The phrase originally shifted to its current meaning in 1721, when Nathan Bailey used the phrase metaphorically to allude to people and their struggle to learn new things or change habits/behaviors. The meaning changed overtime because of the broad lack of desire to change in society. Some may use the phrase to describe their frustration with someone else's refusal to change habits, while others may use it to defend and explain why they resist change, even if the change may be for their own benefit. The meaning and use of this phrase in our current day says that most of humanity does not like change. While many people may seek change or strive to be overall better, there is an underlying stubbornness and resistance that holds those individuals back from evolving or making major adjustments in their lives. 

Work Cited:

Steenson, Tony, et al. “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks ... or Can You?” Unimed Living, https://www.unimedliving.com/men/true-man/you-can-t-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks-or-can-you.html.

“Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?” Wonderopolis, wonderopolis.org/wonder/can-you-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks. 

You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks - Cambridge English Dictionary, dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/you-can-t-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks. 

A woman receiving unsolicited comments is a form of catcalling. (Source: Google Images)

 

By: Donovan Joyner

Let's discuss the term “Catcalling.” I have chosen this term because I respect and appreciate women. Before conducting any research, I believed that “catcalling” referred to when a man whistles or makes a comment to a woman he finds attractive in hopes of getting her attention. According to the article The Evolution of Catcalling, the first use of the term catcall originated in the Shakespearean era, where it was used to mock performers. The audience would shriek and cry in a manner similar to a cat’s meowing, using the term as a way to show disapproval at plays. 

Originally, it had no connection to street harassment. However, over time, the meaning evolved. Today, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, catcalling is defined as “the act of shouting a loud, sexually suggestive, threatening, or harassing call or remark at someone publicly.” Essentially, it is now understood as a form of sexual harassment.

The meaning of catcalling began to shift in the 20th century. In the 1940s, cartoonist Tex Avery created the character Slick Joe McWolf, a wolf known for drooling and whistling when seeing an attractive woman. This behavior was notably depicted in Red Hot Riding Hood, a reimagined version of Little Red Riding Hood. Despite its exaggerated nature, the cartoon was rated ‘U’ (suitable for all audiences), potentially influencing young boys and men to view such actions as normal and acceptable (Lee 1).

Catcalling is often dismissed as a "compliment," but genuine compliments come from trusted individuals in appropriate situations, not from aggressive strangers. In today's culture, catcalling is understood as a form of objectification and dominance rather than admiration. This reflects a broader societal issue where women's discomfort is overlooked, and catcalling is used to boost the caller’s self-esteem without considering its impact on those targeted (Lee 1).

Work Cited

Lee, Jessica. “The Evolution of Catcalling.” That’s What She Said Magazine, 26 Nov. 2022, twssmagazine.com/2022/11/26/the-evolution-of-catcalling/. 

“Catcalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catcalling. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.