Post by Hades • on Apr 4, 2012 13:52:11 GMT -5
A - Z
Here are some interesting terms/sayings that the cats of the Dynasties would use in place of human speech. There aren't many, because my imagination is limited, but if you can think of some interesting ones, post below! note: many of these terms have the same, or similar meanings.
JACKAL - A dog wild dog that lives off the land. It looks like a fox, but yet is not. The Jackal preys on the cats that venture out late in the evening, or early morning.
○ Son of a Jackal - used to describe a wicked cat.
○ Jackal-Face - used to describe a grave-robber, or someone who does not respect the dead. This insult is not uncommon. "You Jackal-Faced wretch."
○ Jackal-Breath - used to describe a cat with bad breath, or a cat who smells bad. "You smell of Jackal's Breath."
○ Jackal-Heart - used to describe a wicked cat/deed. "The plot was as dark as a Jackal's Heart!", "You Jackal-hearted wretch."
CROCODILE - The dweller of the river, a vicious creature that lives among the reeds of the Nile, also known as the Nile Dweller. This large reptile is feared by both humans and cats.
○ Crocodile-Spawn - used to describe a wicked deed, or to show distaste. "This tastes of Crocodile-Spawn!", "How do you know?", "I just do."
○ Crocodile-Breath - used to describe a cat's breath, or how a cat smells. see Jackal-Breath.
○ Tough as a Crocodile's Tooth - a common saying to describe a cat's personality. "He was as tough as a crocodile's tooth! We could hardly bring him down..."
HAWK - The bird of prey. They pick off small cats from hunting patrols, and sometimes kits who just wander around the territory where they're not supposed to be.
○ Hawk-eye - often used as a compliment, and can be used as a nickname. "You have the eyes of a hawk.", "Maybe we aught to call you: Hawk-eye. It was amazing that you spotted that!"
FISH - The fish of the Nile, a good source of prey if you dare to venture close to the water. Look out for crocodiles!
○ Fish-Face - used to describe a cat who fishes all the time. "See ya around, Fish-Face!"
○ Slick as a Fish - used to describe a cat. "She was slick as a fish, going around that corner. I can't believe you let her get away!"
○ Fish-Breath - used to describe a cat with bad breath. "Ugh, get away from me Fish-breath!"
○ Fishfur/pelt - used to describe a cat who smells bad. "Stay away from Fishfur over there."
TIMES OF DAY/SEASONS - obviously terms used by the cats of upper and lower Egypt to describe days and seasons.
○ (Before the) Sun Rise Hour- used to describe early morning.
○ High-Noon - used to describe 12:00 in the afternoon.
○ Evening-Sun - used to describe the hours of late afternoon/early twilight
○ Sun Set Hour - used to describe the hours of twilight and the start of night.
○ The Deep Morning - used to describe Midnight, and any hour before the Sun Rise Hour.
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○ The Akhet (Flooding Season) -
September - January
○ The Peret (growing season) -
January - May
○ The Shemu (harvest, or low-water season) -
May - September
BLESSINGS AND CURSES OF THE ANCESTORS - The blessings of the respected dead. Much like "StarClan" in the warriors series.
"May the Ancestors guide your way/path"
"The wrath of the ancestors is upon/in him/her!"
"What a blessing the ancestors have sent us!"
"Beware the wrath of Aapep."
"May the wrath of Aapep be upon you!"
"Curse you and your house!"
*Þ"Thank Praa Amenemhat!" - (Amennemhat, one of the first Pharaohs of Lower Egypt) - "for your safe arrival, swiftness, that you are okay, etc."
*Þ"Praise Praa Anhur!" - (Anhur, one of the first Pharaohs of Upper Egypt, thought to be Amenemhat's brother.) "for your safe arrival, swiftness, that you are okay, etc."
*Þ"Eternal Damnation of Aapep" - (Aapep was one of the more ruthless leaders of Upper Egypt. Many good cats died in his service, believing he was the re-embodiment of the Anhur, which he believed himself.)
OTHER TERMS - These are the terms what are used more often than most. Here are a few specific ones.
○ Snitch/squealer/rat - a cat who tattletales, or skips out on something. "Don't be a snitcher!", "Ratting out on us, eh?", "You Jackal-Faced squealer!"
○ Human - people, two-legs to use the warriors term.
○ House-pet - used to describe a cat that lives with the humans.
*Þnote: neither name - I don't think - was an actual king of Egypt (either when they were upper or lower, or as one.) These names were chosen to represent the first kings of the site Pharaohs, not actual Pharaohs of the real world!
