Meaning
What does Cone of Shame mean?
The Cone of Shame is a common slang expression, used to refer to the Elizabethan collar, a medical device worn by animals to prevent them from biting or licking areas of their bodies that require healing.
It is typically shaped like a cone and is constructed from hard plastic or fabric. While it may seem like an uncomfortable and embarrassing accessory for our furry friends, the “Cone of Shame” serves an important purpose in ensuring their well-being and aiding in the healing process.
Example: Imagine your pet dog, Max, going through a minor surgery to remove a harmless lump. When you pick him up from the veterinary clinic, he is wearing a massive cone-shaped collar around his neck. Max looks up at you with droopy eyes, seemingly embarrassed by his new fashion statement. You can’t help but laugh and affectionately refer to it as the “Cone of Shame.”
Origin
What's the origin of Cone of Shame?
The Elisabethan collar was used for the first time and patented by Frank L. Johnson in 1959, who named the collar after the hottest Drip of Elisabethan England: Ruffs.
The term “Cone of Shame” gained popularity after it was used in the animated movie “Up” by Disney Pixar in 2009.
In the film, one of the characters, the villanous Alpha is humiliated and demoted from his prestigious position by Dug by pulling a collar on his head. When the other dogs see this, they exclaim “He’s wearing the Cone of Shame” and proceed to laugh.
This memorable moment resonated with many pet owners, and soon enough, the term became widely recognized as a humorous way to refer to the Elizabethan collar.
Spread & Usage
How did Cone of Shame spread?
Following the premiere of “Up,” the phrase “Cone of Shame” began spreading rapidly across social media platforms, pet-centered websites, and even in everyday conversations among animal owners.
Memes and funny photos featuring pets wearing the cone collar flooded the internet, giving the term even more exposure. Pet owners around the world resonated with the idea that their pets, although adorable, can also be a little silly or pitiful when sporting the “Cone of Shame”. The phrase has since become a lighthearted way to commiserate with others over the temporary discomfort our furry companions endure.
So, the next time you see a picture of a cat or a Doge wearing a cone collar, remember that they are doing it for their own good. They might give you some pitiful looks or bump into walls, but soon enough, they’ll be back to their normal, cone-free selves, and the “Cone of Shame” will remain as a humorous memory of their healing process.
External resources
- University of Sydney – The Cone of Shame makes pets miserable
- Wikipedia – Elizabethan collar