catty behavior
- noun
- /ˈkæti bɪˈheɪvjər/
- Offensive
:
maledicencia
- It's hard to trust her because her catty behavior often includes subtle insults and sly comments.
Examples
-
My confidence has increased, and I'm less likely to engage in catty behavior.
Blog text (23) -
Her catty behavior during the meeting made several colleagues uncomfortable.
-
They frequently engage in catty behavior, spreading rumors about each other's personal lives.
Synonyms
56
9.9
Treating other people in an unkind, harsh way
9
6.2
Being too worried about small unimportant things and not generous
3
8.5
A way of behaving that is mean and hurtful to other people
3
6.7
Saying unpleasant things about someone who is not present
1
8.1
Saying small mean things to hurt someone in a quiet way
1
9.9
A way of talking and acting that is mean and hurts people
1
7.4
A wish to hurt, upset, or annoy other people
1
8.6
Rude, unfriendly behavior that makes other people feel unwelcome
1
9.9
Rude, selfish actions that hurt or upset other people
A rude, spiteful way of speaking that uses mean, cutting remarks
A consistently unfriendly and angry way of acting
Showing strong dislike and no respect for a person or thing
Antonyms
How Spiteful
3
6.7
- Offensive
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines the adjective 'catty' (slyly hurtful) with 'behavior' (manner or conduct), so its meaning 'spiteful or malicious behavior' is directly derivable from the constituents. The metaphorical origin (cat-like spite) does not prevent comprehension, so a B1 learner who knows both words would understand the MWE.
Etymology
The phrase catty behavior comes from comparing people to cats: cats can seem quiet but also hiss or scratch, giving the image of small, sharp attacks. That's why catty behavior means 'spiteful or insulting' actions toward others.