pusses

Pusses is the plural form of puss, a colloquial English noun that refers to a cat or to a catlike creature. The term is typically used in affectionate, informal speech or writing and is closely associated with the familiar expression pussycat. While not a formal term for a cat, puss and its plural pusses appear in literature, songs, and everyday speech to convey warmth or playfulness toward a feline.

Etymology and form: Puss likely derives from an onomatopoeic imitation of a cat’s meow, with the plural pusses formed by adding the standard English -es to puss. The construction follows common patterns for nouns ending in -ss in English. The word has antique and regional usage, and remains recognizable in modern writing, especially in nostalgic or humorous contexts.

Usage and references: Puss and pusses are most often encountered in informal or regional English, including children’s books, dialogue in plays, and casual storytelling. The term is sometimes used in references to famous feline characters, such as those in fairy tales or nursery rhymes, where a singular puss becomes the subject of a gentle, familiar tone. In contemporary prose, writers may prefer more neutral terms like cat or kitten, but puss and pusses retain their place in stylistic or affectionate diction.

See also: Pussycat, Puss in Boots,Cat, Feline.

Notes: While similar-sounding terms exist with different connotations, puss and pusses are typically non-sexual, endearing labels for cats in everyday language. Speakers should be mindful of audience, as the word can feel dated or whimsical in certain contexts.