Using animals to refer to people

When I was a child I used to love animals although it never entered my mind to be a vet (I’m one of those people whose knees go jelly at the sight of blood). As I grew older I started to feel less inclined to sharing my life and house with God’s creatures.

Nowadays, the only pet I have is a dog, a German sheperd, who I absolutely adore but that’s it, at least for the time being. I have had lots of pets in my life although some of them can hardly be considered pets, as according to the dictionary, a pet is any domesticated animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately and I remember some of them not complying with this defintion.

Among these so-called pets I sadly remember a canary who I insisted needed fresh air and finally died of a heart attack while being out in the terrace breathing fresh air. I guess some bigger bird must´ve thought it was a delicious bite and attacked him while in the cage.
Anyway, animals have always been part of our lives. Humans and animals are so closely related that, very often, we use them to refer to people.
Have a look at some of these sentences. Come to think of it, most have a negative meaning

He’s a snake – so. you cannot trust
He’s a dog- he doesn’t treat ladies very truthfully
She’s a dog– she’s very ugly
He’s a rat– a despicable person, especially one who betrays or informs upon associates
He’s a chicken– a coward
He’s a cold fish– A hard-hearted, unfeeling individual, one who shows no emotion
she’s a busy bee= an energetic person
She’s being catty=she’s being mean
He’s an eager beaver= a person who is extremely zelaous about performing duties and volunteering for more.
She’s a mouse=timid                                                                                                                                               He´s a weasel = a person regarded as sneaky or treacherous
He’s a vulture =A person of a rapacious, predatory, or profiteering nature.

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1 thought on “Using animals to refer to people

  1. TIGER

    It is a wild animal that lives in the jungle.It measures 210-275cm. He eats everything but he likes young elephants and young hipopotamus.

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