Sheep has appeared in various idioms. Wolf in sheep’s clothing appears in Matthew 15; Counting sheep to induce sleep is recorded in 1854 but doesn’t seem to have become popular until the 1870s; giving sheep’s eyes is seen from 1520.
Sheepish used to mean ‘bashful’ is first seen in the 1690s, although Chaucer had used ‘sheepy’. As expected it has the same etymology.
When it comes to other animal-style adjectives, I could only really find one in regular use – Asinine correctly ‘relating to donkeys’ but also describing foolishness. Just why a donkey should be considered foolish, I have no clue.
A couple of other adjectives less commonly used, are: Vulpine for ‘cunning’; and Cervine ‘grace, elegance’.
I did find a few traits associated with certain animals. These describe traits attributed to such species, although I think they are being anthropomorphised instead of looking at the real reasons for such behavior.
Foxes are described as both sly and cunning – I think they mean ‘successful’.
Lions are often said to be majestic – clearly derived from the idea they are king of beasts, and that idea of anthropomorhising creatures is clear in such drivel as The Lion King and other Disney dross.
But the worst of the lot is surely describing a dog as ‘loyal’ – no, it wants food the easiest way possible and you’re its meal ticket.
A few other misnomers. Dead as a dodo – no, they’re not dead they’re extinct; dead as a badger would make more sense as the vast majority of badgers are seen at the side of the road with legs in the air.
As strong as an ox – ludicrous, an ox isn’t strong it’s big – and two oxen are twice as strong anyway.
Proud as a peacock – peacocks have a very small brain size relative to its body, it doesn’t have an IQ big enough to know what pride is.
Wise as an owl – on a list of birds, owls are only halfway when it comes to intellect.
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