1 C1 idiomatic slang
(dated North American slang) To pursue casual sexual encounters; to be sexually unfaithful or promiscuous.
"His wife suspected he had been catting around while she was away on business."
inseparable
cat around
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
(North American, dated slang) To be sexually promiscuous; to seek casual sexual encounters.
In plain English
To go out looking for sexual partners in a casual way, like a stray cat roaming around.
What does "cat around" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To behave like a cat (especially a tomcat) roaming around freely.
Actually means
To go out looking for sexual partners in a casual way, like a stray cat roaming around.
Usage tip
Chiefly North American and now dated or regional. More often applied to men. The metaphor comes from the behaviour of tomcats roaming in search of mates. Rarely used in contemporary speech; 'sleep around' or 'play the field' are more current.
Words that pair with "cat around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
town bars nights
How to conjugate "cat around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cat around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cats around
he/she/it
Past simple
cated around
yesterday
Past participle
cated around
have + pp
-ing form
cating around
continuous
Hear "cat around" in the wild
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Other ways to say "cat around"
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