What does kitty mean?
“Kitty” is an informal name for a cat, often used affectionately, as in “the kitty sat on the mat.” It can refer to a cat of any age and is especially common in domestic, child-directed, or playful contexts, although many adults use it as a term of endearment. Less commonly, “kitty” means a sum of money or a shared pool, particularly in gambling and card games. The word is easy to understand from context: a sentence about a pet usually signals the animal sense, while a sentence about betting or a pot usually signals the money sense. Although “cat” is the neutral, general term, “kitty” adds a warmer and more playful tone.
An informal, often affectionate term for a domestic cat.
"The kitty knocked the glass off the table."
Less formal than “cat”; often conveys affection or playfulness.
Informally, a sum of money or a shared pool of funds, especially in gambling or card games.
"Each player contributed a dollar to the kitty."
This sense is informal and especially associated with gambling and card games.
The regular plural is “kitties,” especially for the animal sense; “kitties” is also used informally for multiple pools of money.
"The two kitties played together in the garden."
One word can move from a household pet to the money in a betting pot, showing how informal language shifts with context.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kitty come from?
The word is a diminutive formed with the suffix -y from the familiar word “cat,” following the common English pattern of making an affectionate form by adding a sound to a familiar noun. Its extended sense for money is historically associated with gambling and card games, although the exact origin of that development is not fully certain. The related word “kitten” comes from the same older word “cat” and likewise refers to a young animal.
How kitty is actually used
The affectionate sense is common in everyday and children's language but is generally less formal than “cat.” The money sense is informal and is especially associated with gambling and card games.
Easily confused with kitty
A kitten is specifically a young cat, whereas kitty is an informal name that can refer to a cat of any age.