Question

Where does the word "kitten" come from?

Answer 1

The word "kitten" is believed to have originated in the late 16th century, from the Middle Dutch word "kitte," which means "kitten." It is also believed to have been derived from the Middle English word "kitoun" or the Old English word "cytte," which means "kitten."

Answer 2

The word "kitten" derives from the Middle English word kitoun, which in turn came from the Old French chitoun or cheton. Juvenile big cats are called "cubs" rather than kittens; either term (but usually more commonly "kitten") may be used for the young of smaller wild felids, such as ocelots, caracals, and lynxes.