The Dog in American English Expressions
Posted: Thursday, September 24, 2009
by Karen Guido
The word "dog" is used in so many expressions and idioms in America, that it is truly amazing! Sometimes the slang is regional to a specific part of the United States. Occasionally, expressions have originated in other coutries and have come to mean something totally different here.

He's in the dog house.
It's better to let sleeping dogs lie.
It's gone to the dogs.
It's a dogs life.
I am dog tired!
She's sick as a dog.
Dog gone it!
Please - not another shaggy dog story!
We're in the dog days of summer.They're the top dog in that company.
He's running with the big dogs now.
Hot Dog!
Hot Diggety Dog!
I have to go see a man about a dog.
What is this - a dog and pony show?
Every dog has his day.
Not a dog's chance in h---.
Hair of the dog might make you feel better.
My dogs sure are barking!
Please - call off the dogs!
It's a dog eat dog world out there.
Yep, he sure is meaner than a junk yard dog.
She's puttin' on the the dog for that party.
Man, it's raining cats and dogs out there!
Why keep a dog and bark yourself?That person is a dog faced liar.
That book has a lot of dog eared pages.
World War II saw some famous dog fights.
Why do you have such a hang dog look on your face?
Don't be doggin me!
I've been workin' like a dog today.
He's like an old dog with a bone.
You simply can't teach an old dog new tricks.
Karen Guido writes for BreedersClub.net - publishing a monthly pet newsletter with articles on dogs, a "guess the name of this dog" trivia section and a feature spot on the cat breed of the month.
This Article has been viewed 962 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Hi KarenIt is so true we take the word dog for granted it is used in so many meanings but the truth is dogs are mans best friend thank you.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.