Clan-Vernacular
From Children of StarClan
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The vernacular of the Clans is highly specific and specialized, with a number of sayings and idioms that don't transfer directly into English falling into their usage. This document is intended to cover as many of those words and phrases as possible. If you don't see something in the contents list, try using CTRL+F to find and search this page for the word, phrase, or keyword you are looking for, as it might be considered a variation rather than something that stands on its own.
If you wish to suggest additions please make the suggestions HERE. You do not need to submit a completed entry, and every little idea can be considered for inclusion.
Bees in your brain
- Variations: Bees in his/her brain
- Indicates confusion on the part of the cat being talked about or to, sometimes emphasizing stupidity as a source of the confusion.
- Examples of Usage
- "It's like he's got bees in his brain."
The code changes for no cat
- Variations: A cat can't change the code
- Indicates that the subject that is being discussed is something completely unchangeable.
- Examples of Usage
- "Geez, the Code changes for no cat. That's just the way things are."
Curiosity killed the apprentice
- Variations: Curiosity killed the kit, Curiosity killed the Queen, Curiosity killed the Warrior, Curiosity killed the Elder, Curiosity killed the Deputy, Curiosity killed the Leader
- A way of telling someone to not snoop and wait patiently to find something out.
- Examples of Usage
- "Curiosity killed the apprentice, Foxpaw."
Foxdung
- Variation: Mousedung, Otterdung, Catdirt
- Can replace most negative verbs that implies someone or something is discussing or distasteful in some way.
- Examples of Usages
- "That's Foxdung."
Mousebrain
- Variation: Shrewbrain, Molebrain, Birdbrain, Beetlebrain, Mouse-for-brains, Shrew-for-brains, Mole-for-brains, Bird-for-brains, Beetle-for-brains
- Stupid. Typically used when someone does something stupid, or when talking about someone whose intelligence is being questioned.
- Examples of Usage
- "That Bloodstar is a mousebrained murderer."
Mouseheart
- Variations: Mouseheart, Voleheart, Shrewheart, Rabbitheart
- An accusation of cowardice.
- Examples of Usage
- "That mousehearted Cloverleaf is responsible for Slateshadow's death."
Not the sharpest claw on the paw
- Variations: Not the sharpest tooth in the jaw, Not the brightest star in the sky, Not the sharpest thorn on the bush
- Used to indicate that the cat in question is not the most intelligent when compared to other cats.
- Examples of Usage
- "That Robinpaw... She's not exactly the sharpest claw on the paw"
Pair of Sparrows, a
Variations: a pair of sparrows, a bush full of sparrows, a flock of sparrows
Indicates arguing or argumentativeness, frequently between two cats, but sometimes between larger groups.
Examples of Usage
- "Those two were like an old pair of nesting sparrows."
- "The three warriors were squabling like sparrows."
Pass the mouse
Variations: None
Used in the way a human uses 'pass the torch'.
- Examples of Usage
- "She's going to have to pass the mouse someday. She can't be the Medicine Cat forever."
StarClan!
- Variations: StarClan Forbid, StarClan Shine on XXX
- The idea of using the word "StarClan" as an explanation or expletive.
- Examples of Usage
- "StarClan! You startled me!"
- "StarClan shine on your hunting."
Sheath your claws
- Variations: None
- Antonym: Un-sheath your claws
- An instruction to stop acting aggressive and/or calm down.
- Examples of Usage
- "You should sheath your claws when dealing with your apprentice."
- "Sheath your claws! I was only trying to give some advice."
Stick your tail in a wasp's nest
- Variations: Stick your tail in a bee's nest, stuck my/their tail in a wasp's nest, stuck my/their tail in a bee's nest, Stick your nose in a bee's nest, stick your nose in a wasp's nest, stuck my/their nose in a wasp's next, stuck my/their nose in a bee's nest
- Telling someone to go stick their tail in a wasp's nest is akin to telling them to go away or leave you alone. Claiming than you or another cat has 'stuck your/their tail in a bee's nest' is to say that they have gotten themselves involved in something that was not their affair.
- Examples of Usage
- "Go stick your tail in a wasp's nest, Foxkit!"
- "I really stuck my nose in a bee's nest."
Tail-dragger
- Variations: Dragged his/her tail
- Used in reference to an individual considered stupid or brutish.
- Examples of Usage
- "Tortoisenight is such a tail-dragging simpleton."
- "Foxbright really dragged his tail when he decided to do that."
Weaselheart
- Variations: Foxheart, Skunkheart, Otterheart
- An accusation of backstabbing or double-agenting. Also a slight or suggestion that the loyalty of the cat being referred to should be questioned.
- Examples of Usage
- "He's rogue-blooded and nothing but a weaselhearted fool."