Wayne’s Word – Cheshire

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is CHESHIRE.

According to the Cambridge dictionary, Cheshire is a noun –

– a county in northwestern England.

– but can also be used as part of the phrase “Cheshire cat” – a fictional cat in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll or in the Disney animated movie. The cat is known for its broad, fixed smile and its ability to disappear, sometimes leaving only its grin behind (rather creepy).

You might be familiar with the expression – “to grin like a Cheshire cat”, meaning to smile very widely, often in a self-satisfied or mysterious way. I always think of someone looking very smug with themselves, they smile like a Cheshire cat, like the cat that got the cream. As far as I’m aware, there is no real Cheshire cat!

Have you ever heard or used this word / phrase? You can see an image of the Cheshire Cat here. This was spotted at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.