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Not Enough Room to Swing a Cat: The Pros and Cons of Apartment Living in New York City

Mario Benedetti

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In New York City, where space is at a premium, the phrase "not enough room to swing a cat" is a common complaint among apartment dwellers. But what exactly does this expression mean, and what are the pros and cons of living in such close quarters?

Not Enough Room to Swing a Cat: Naval slang and its everyday usage

by Martin Robson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	144 pages

What does "not enough room to swing a cat" mean?

The phrase "not enough room to swing a cat" is a colloquialism that means there is not enough space to move around freely or comfortably. It is often used to describe small apartments or other cramped spaces.

The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the early 1900s. One theory is that it comes from the fact that cats need a certain amount of space to run and jump, and if an apartment is too small, there is not enough room for the cat to move around freely.

The pros and cons of apartment living in New York City

There are both pros and cons to living in an apartment in New York City. Some of the pros include:

Convenience: Apartments are often located in convenient locations, close to public transportation, shopping, and other amenities.
Security: Apartments are typically more secure than houses, as they have locked doors and windows and are often located in buildings with security cameras and doormen.
Affordability: Apartments are often more affordable than houses, especially in New York City, where housing costs are notoriously high.

Some of the cons of apartment living in New York City include:

Lack of space: Apartments are often small, and there may not be enough room to move around freely or comfortably.
Noise: Apartments can be noisy, as you may be able to hear your neighbors talking, walking, or playing music.
Lack of privacy: Apartments can be less private than houses, as you may be able to see or hear your neighbors through the walls.

Is apartment living right for you?

Whether or not apartment living is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a convenient, affordable, and secure place to live, then an apartment may be a good option for you. However, if you need a lot of space, privacy, or quiet, then an apartment may not be the best choice for you.

The phrase "not enough room to swing a cat" is a common complaint among apartment dwellers in New York City. However, there are both pros and cons to apartment living in the city. Ultimately, whether or not apartment living is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Not Enough Room to Swing a Cat: Naval slang and its everyday usage

by Martin Robson

4.6 out of 5