1. Cats and Cream:
* Cats' Love for Cream: Cats have a natural affinity for dairy products, especially cream, which is rich in fat and calories. This is due to the evolutionary need for calories in their diet.
* Cream as a Luxury: In the past, cream was a more valuable and less readily available product than it is today. It was often associated with wealth and indulgence.
2. The Phrase's Meaning:
* The "Cat" as a Symbol: The cat in the phrase is not a literal animal but often represents a person who is lucky, content, or enjoying a privileged situation.
* "Got the Cream" as Metaphor: This metaphor implies that the cat has gained something desirable, perhaps without deserving it.
Possible Origins:
* Folklore: Some believe the phrase emerged from folklore or sayings about cats being fortunate or opportunistic.
* Observation: The phrase may have originated from observing cats' behavior around cream, where they would often try to steal or get their paws on a valuable resource.
Overall:
While the exact origin remains a mystery, the phrase "cat that got the cream" likely arose from observing cats' love for cream and using it as a metaphor for someone who is lucky, fortunate, or has acquired something valuable.