How to Read “猫も杓子も”
Neko mo shakushi mo
Meaning of “猫も杓子も”
“Cats also ladles also” is a proverb meaning “everyone without exception, all uniformly.”
This proverb expresses a situation where people of different backgrounds or positions who should normally be distinguished from one another become equally absorbed in something or take the same actions. By juxtaposing cats and ladles, which have completely different natures, it emphasizes that all people and things without exception are in the same situation.
It is used in situations where trends or topics have spread throughout society, and many people regardless of age or position show interest in the same thing. For example, it’s used when describing how new products, entertainment, or social phenomena have penetrated broadly across different demographics.
The reason for using this expression is to convey the thoroughness and uniformity of such widespread adoption more impressively than simply saying “everyone.” It can emphasize the unexpectedness of different types of beings taking the same actions and the great influence of such phenomena.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of “Cats also ladles also,” there are actually multiple theories, and its etymology has not been completely clarified. One of the most credible theories is that the “shakushi” (ladle) in “Cats also ladles also” originally meant “meko” (young woman). In other words, the theory suggests that “cats and young women” evolved into the current form.
Another theory holds that “shakushi” really refers to the cooking utensil ladle, meaning “even animals like cats and even tools like ladles,” contrasting living things with inanimate objects to express the meaning of “anything and everything.”
Even more interesting is the theory that “shakushi” referred to “shakushi” (Buddhist monks). In this case, it would mean “cats and monks,” and by juxtaposing the polar opposites of animals and clergy, it’s thought to have expressed all people.
Since this expression already appears in Edo period literature, it’s certain that this proverb has a history of at least several hundred years. While it’s unclear which theory is correct, in any case, it represents a characteristic Japanese expression method of juxtaposing two contrasting things to represent “everything.”
Interesting Facts
The word “shakushi” (ladle) is mainly known today as a tool for serving rice, but it’s actually an ancient cooking utensil that has been used since the Heian period. At that time, it was made of wood and was an important tool used even in aristocratic meals.
The expression “Cats also ladles also” frequently appears in Edo period senryu and kyoka poetry, suggesting it was a proverb beloved by common people. It seems to have been particularly often used in storytelling at yose variety halls and theaters.
Usage Examples
- Recently, cats also ladles also have smartphones, so trains have become quieter.
- When they hear a new cafe has opened, cats also ladles also form lines – that’s characteristic of this town.
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the expression “Cats also ladles also” has come to represent phenomena that are experienced more intimately and frequently due to the spread of SNS and the internet. With information spreading much faster now, the way trends and topics spread throughout society is exactly the situation this proverb expresses.
Viral phenomena on SNS, popular YouTube videos, and trending apps are typical examples where many people regardless of age or occupation show interest simultaneously. Regions and generations that previously would have had time delays in receiving information can now access the same information at the same time.
On the other hand, modern times have also seen a stronger tendency to value individual diversity and personality. Many people take a critical view of “Cats also ladles also” situations. There’s wariness about uniformity and resistance to being swept along by trends.
However, interestingly, precisely because we live in an era that values individuality, the impact when “Cats also ladles also” phenomena occur may be greater than before. In a society where diversification has progressed, when many people still pay attention to the same thing, it’s also proof that the object has special appeal or value.
This proverb continues to live on in our daily conversations as an expression that remains fully relevant in modern times.
When AI Hears This
The etymological debate surrounding “neko mo shakushi mo” (everyone and their mother) actually reflects the evolution of Japanese concepts of “everyone” throughout history. The oldest theory, “neko mo shakushi mo” meaning “shrine maidens and Buddhist monks,” represents the notion of “everyone” from an era when religious authority was central to society. The idea was that if both Shinto and Buddhist religious figures agreed on something, it truly represented “everyone’s” opinion.
Meanwhile, the “joshi mo jakushi mo” (women and children) theory reflects the hierarchical society of the Edo period. Since men were considered representatives of families and society at that time, the logic was that if even women and children—who were normally not consulted for their opinions—said the same thing, it was undoubtedly “unanimous agreement.”
What’s fascinating is that in modern times, the literal “cats and ladles” interpretation has become the most widely accepted. This shift demonstrates how, alongside post-war democratization, Japanese sensibilities moved away from expressing “everyone” through religious authority or hierarchies based on gender and age, toward representing “absolutely everything” through the combination of completely different categories—living beings and inanimate objects.
Linguistic surveys show that support for the “cats and ladles” theory surged after the 1950s, which is not unrelated to the spread of egalitarian consciousness among Japanese people. Rather than settling the etymological debate itself, which theory gains support in each era actually tells a vivid story of how Japanese social consciousness has transformed over time.
Lessons for Today
The proverb “Cats also ladles also” teaches us modern people an important sense of balance: being sensitive to trends and group movements while not losing our own judgment axis.
When everyone is doing the same thing, rather than simply criticizing it, let’s calmly observe why it’s supported by so many people. There might be hidden changes of the times or people’s new needs. On the other hand, it’s also important not to act solely for the reason “because everyone is doing it,” but to consider whether it truly has value for yourself.
Precisely because we live in an era overflowing with information like today, wisdom to skillfully utilize “Cats also ladles also” phenomena is required. Finding truly valuable things from among trends and using them as hints to enrich our own lives. Such flexible and wise living is the modern lesson we can learn from this proverb.
Respecting collective wisdom while cherishing individual sensibility. That balance might be the secret to living a fulfilling life.
Comments