Tom cat

Hi,
Why is it "Tom cat" instead of "cat Tom", if it is "President Obama" and "Doctor Jones"?
Thanks.

A "tom cat" is a male cat, traditionally given the name Tom.

Most animals have different words for the male and female. It used to matter in the old days when everyone was a farmer.

A 'Tom' is a male cat, not a real name. Just as a 'Billy' goat is a male goat and not a goat named Billy, the female is a 'Nanny' goat. Oddly enough I dont know the term for a female cat.

extremely interesting. I had no idea. thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by thod00

Most animals have different words for the male and female. It used to matter in the old days when everyone was a farmer.

A 'Tom' is a male cat, not a real name. Just as a 'Billy' goat is a male goat and not a goat named Billy, the female is a 'Nanny' goat. Oddly enough I dont know the term for a female cat.

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Apparently, 'once a female cat reaches puberty, she becomes a queen.'' :-o
Whatevs.. :-)

I've always had problems with names for males, females, offsprings, etc. :-?