Who Let The Cat Out of the Bag? Piglets! | Say What?! Animal Idioms

When we say "let the cat out of the bag," we mean someone has revealed some secret information, often by accident. But what does this saying have to do with a medieval marketplace and little piglets? Find out in this episode of Say What?!

[@neillsayers1489]

Never buy a pig in a poke!

[@kaze987]

Another origin story is a warning from the British Royal Navy. When the cat o nine tails used for flogging was taken out of its sac to be used, sailors would warn that someone was gonna get punished "cat's out of the bag" more as a warning or a heads up. But I did hear the pig story origin too years ago. Very interesting!

[@imcrazybrumfield5621]

I think my favorite of these, is to 'put a bee in ___'s bonnet' (oww).

[@Khyranleander]

That same history/myth is the same source as "buying a pig in a poke" ('poke' apparently that type of sack)

[@kaze987]

Love these vids! Keep dropping them like Netflix drops a series!

[@TheCommunicationCoach]

I've studied this one thoroughly before, and while there are the usual different stories, this one is by far the most practical and obvious. Plus, it hits hard on another phrase, let the buyer beware, caveat emptor.

[@wellingtonsboots4074]

Thanks enjoyed this
Just wondering why no one would think something's up when the cat did meow. I like the Royal Navy suggestion too.

[@A_GoogIe_User]

Ye at the time was pronounced The. (and Y was not the letter y) google it if you like to no more, or search it on youtube.

[@jacobv3396]

And if you want to go back further, th used to be represented by þ!

[@MikeStice-tb2qv]

This a cartoon ?