Instead, "meow" was used as a general exclamation of surprise or amusement, similar to "wow" or "oh my!" It was a common expression used by young people, often associated with the flapper culture and the jazz era.
Here's an example of how it might have been used:
"Meow! Did you see that new dance Mabel did? She's a real firecracker!"
So, while "meow" might seem strange in this context, it was simply a way to express excitement and surprise.