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Synonyms

cool cat

American  
[kool kat] / ˈkul ˈkæt /

noun

Slang.
  1. a fashionable or hip person.

    Being the cool cat that I was in high school, I would often stop in at the vegan store for coffee on the way home.

  2. a person who is easygoing, casual, and calm.

    He was the most laid-back cool cat I ever met—he took everything in stride.

  3. an admirable or excellent person.

    An ACLU lawyer, drug reformer, and generally cool cat, she is seriously considering a bid for mayor.


Etymology

Origin of cool cat

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The very idea of “Cool Cat” may bring to mind another fabulous Hollywood cool cat, the Pink Panther.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2023

"I needed to know this was going somewhere if I was going to give up this really cool cat," she said.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2023

In its statement, the band called Mr. Thomas “the quintessential cool cat in the group,” saying that he “was the group’s wardrobe stylist who made sure they always looked fresh.”

From Washington Post • Aug. 9, 2021

Described as the "cool cat" in the group, he was its sax player, flutist, percussionist as well as master of ceremonies at shows.

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2021

But Father played the cool cat, not admitting what a miserable failure he had been so far at the Christianizing trade.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver