More than one way to skin a cat

[ninja9578]

Why? That's an awful saying. Where do these really sick saying come from?

[DuB]

Perhaps it is of Chinese origin.

[Phrisco]

Perhaps it is of Chinese origin. That's what I would guess too. lol.

[dorpis]

Perhaps it is of Chinese origin. Hmm.... >_>

[Ynot]

common misconception, there is only one way to skin a cat Loot the body equip your skinning knife Skin

[Man of Steel]

I would surmise the literal side of the phrase originated in the fur trade, where cat fur was commonly used for trim on coats and capes. To 'skin a cat' is also a slang term for a gymnastic exercise started in 1845, wherein you'd hang from a horizontal bar and pass your legs up and between your arms. The origin of this phrase, in turn, probably stems from the way an animal's skin is turned inside out when skinning it. What's so awful about the saying? Perhaps it's a bit morbid, but plenty of people in the 1800's and before (as well as after) made their living in the fur trade. Skinning all variety of animals is a means to an end, in any case. If you want to eat a deer, you skin it and dress it first. If you want to sell a beaver pelt, you have to get it off the beaver first. There is, of course, always more than one means to any given end. This is the basis for the saying. Try to think more practically.

[Michael]

cats are useless and fun to skin alive... that's how.