Date:    Mon, 22 Jun 1998 09:28:48 MDT
<br>From:    "//www.usa.net/~ague" <ague[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]REDRCK.ENET.DEC.COM>
<br>Subject: Re: "woods cat"
<br>
<br>I have heard of "woods pussy" form a Texan to refer to skunks.
<br>
<br>-- Jim
<br>
<br>>To dialect experts on ADS-L:
<br>
<br>>Can anyone give a clear definition of the term "woods cat?"  I know that it
<br>>is a derogatory term, and I have assumed for a long time that it is used as
<br>>a slur against those born out of wedlock.  Now, I'm wondering if the term is
<br>>derogatory in some other way, e.g., as a "racial" slur.  "Woods cat" is an
<br>>old term, used at least as far back as the mid-19th century, and probably
<br>>earlier.
<br>