Grin like a Cheshire cat

Origin of: Grin like a Cheshire cat

Grin like a Cheshire cat

This expression for a broad grin or excessive smile has been around in English since the late 18th century and was already well established when Lewis Carroll popularised it in Alice in Wonderland (1865). The origin has never been ascertained satisfactorily, especially as there is no such breed of cat as a Cheshire Cat. The people of Cheshire themselves favour the explanation that Cheshire was always famous as rich, dairy country and their cats were always exceedingly happy with Cheshire milk and cream.