Blogger: Etta Wilson
Location: Books & Such Nashville office
Weather: Not unbearably hot
Not only am I watching for dogs now–I see at least a dozen, well-leashed of all breeds on my early morning walks–but I’m also becoming aware of all the expressions and idioms related to dogs that we use in speaking and writing.
There’s dog face (how did this come to be applied to the infantry?)
dog tired–absolutely weary
doggone!–substitute for more serious expletives
hot dog–either a frankfurter or a show-off
dogged pursuit–unceasing effort of a goal
Every dog has its day–sooner or later everyone has a good turn
That dog will hunt–southernism meaning the suggestion just posed will work
I don’t have a dog in that fight–meaning the person isn’t taking sides on an issue. Also not used by Michael Vick!
dognap–stealing a dog
dog ear–turned down corner of a page
dog-eat-dog–ruthless fight
dog paddle — elementary swimming stroke
dogtrot–the covered breezeway between two parts of a cabin
The word even crops up (no pun intended) in the plant world with dogtooth violets and dogwood trees.
While all these references use the general “dog,” I can only think of a few terms related to specific breeds such as the pit bull or the spaniel.
What’s the point of all this? First, it’s another indication of how ingrained in our daily lives this animal has become. This morning I heard a blurb on NPR saying that dog owners were spending more on their pets in this recession than ever before–at least the baby boomers and the couples who have postponed having children are.
Second, I think writers can often “flesh out” a character with the addition of a dog in the story (Because of Winn Dixie is a prime example). They add a new dimension or opportunity for dramatic action with other characters. Can anybody remember the mystery series with a dog? I’m drawing a blank.
What other dog phrases or idioms can you think of?
I’ve been watching this series this week, it’s been fun.
Gosh, that’s quite a list of dog phrases. I think I’ve heard some slang before that has dog in it: “Oh man, you dogged me.”
I think it’s just another way to say “dissed” or something. Not a huge fan of that phrase…because it insinuates betrayal/disloyalty (at least how I read it)…and we all know that dogs would never do that **smile**
I’m a dog lover (I have two) so this has been a neat series this week.
Are you thinking about the Wishbone series?
Even in California we have occasion to shake off the rain and proclaim it’s raining cats and dogs out there. Check out The Phrase Finder for the many speculative origins.
How about ‘put on the dog’ – the Southern slang for getting ready for company? That one always makes me giggle!
or doggone good!
as in homemade peach ice cream… 🙂
(I guess that could have been used as Miss Etta said except I wouldn’t put an expletive with homemade peach ice cream…)
Pam, I’ve got to read the Wishbone series. I think you’re right. Etta
Yes, I enjoy watching old movies and love the Thin Man series featuring William Powell and Myrna Loy with their dog Asta. Then, in the fifties there was a television series called Topper that featured two glamorous ghosts and their dog (if I’m recalling this correctly). Mustn’t forget Lassie and Rin Tin Tin.
Of course, different presidents over the years popularized certain breeds for a time, e.g., FDR, LBJ, Nixon.
Thanks for this fun series, Etta.
It has been fun, Julie. I kept expecting to hear from cat lovers saying they were being neglected. Not so. Just too doggone engrossed in dogs!
Etta
I twit every day on an idiom, or a series on the same subject. Usually I insert the idiom in something relative to what I’m up to in a way that the meaning comes out- or so is the intention. Here are a few more:
A dog in the manger
Let sleeping dogs lie
To go to the dogs
Top dog
To be an underdog
Give a dog an ill name and hang him
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
He is a sly dog
He is a lucky dog
To give to the dogs
To help a lame dog over a stile
In the dog house
To lead a dog’s life
Not to have a dog’s chance
To be dogged by misfortune
I’ll be twitting on these daily so if you want to see how I apply them to my life you need to follow me on Twitter- That shouldn’t be too painful, now should it?