Pussy vs pussy

Photo of author

Grammarist

Pussy and pussy  are two words that are spelled identically but are pronounced differently and have different meanings, which makes them heteronyms. We will examine the definitions of the words pussy and pussy, where these words came from, and a few examples of their use in sentences. 

Pussy (POO see) is a nickname for a cat or a catkin of the pussy willow. Today, when referring to a cat, the terms are usually combined as in pussy cat, because pussy is also a slang term for coward or sissy. Pussy is also a vulgar term for a vagina or for sexual intercourse. The word pussy first appears in the 1690s as a diminutive of puss, meaning a cat, rabbit, or woman.

Pussy (PUSS see) is an adjective that describes something full of pus, which is a thick, yellowish fluid that indicates an infection. Pus is primarily dead white blood cells, microorganisms, and other tissue. The word pussy is derived from the Middle English word, pushi, which means pus-filled.

Examples

It’s not just man-weapons you can go on dates with: there are women, non-binary folk and even a cat as well (before you ask: no, you can’t sleep with the pussy). (The Guardian)

“It doesn’t exist anymore, I’m a nice guy, I’m a pussy cat, but I used to be a bit of a nightmare.” (Daily Star)

Although still fighting the infection in my leg, after my shot the pussy wound had partially scabbed over again, and I felt on the road to recovery. (Fish and Rice Chronicles)