What is dog? Pronunciation and usage in English

dog means . Learn how to pronounce and use dog through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of dog

dognoun

/dɒɡ/
Definition & pronunciation of dog

The word "dog" in English is pronounced "dog" (rhymes with "log").

It's a very simple, short sound!

Here's a breakdown:

  • "D" - Pronounced like the letter "D"
  • "og" - Pronounced like the word "og" (as in "log")

You can listen to examples online to get a better feel for it:

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Usage and examples with the word dog in English

Let's break down how to use the word "dog" in English. It's a versatile word with many uses! Here's a detailed look:

1. As a Noun (Referring to a Canine Animal):

  • Basic Definition: This is the most common use – referring to a domesticated dog.

    • "I have a dog named Buster."
    • "Dogs are loyal companions."
    • "Look at that fluffy dog!"

  • Types of Dogs: You can specify breeds or types:

    • "A German Shepherd is a working dog."
    • “She rescued a stray dog.”
    • “My neighbor has a tiny Chihuahua dog.”

2. As a Slang/Informal Term (Often Referring to a Person):

  • Meaning: This is a VERY common and slightly cheeky usage. It means “guy,” “dude,” “fellow,” or “boyfriend.” It’s often used in casual conversations, particularly in American English. It’s generally not used in formal settings.

    • "Hey dog, what's up?" (Meaning: Hey guy, what's up?)
    • "Don’t mess with him, dog." (Meaning: Don’t mess with him, dude.)
    • “That was a good movie, dog!” (Meaning: That was a good movie, guy!)

  • Important Note: This slang usage can sometimes come across as rude, especially if you don’t know the person well. Use it cautiously and with people you're comfortable with. It can be seen as slightly disrespectful or overly familiar.

3. Figurative Language (Similes and Metaphors):

  • "Like a Dog": Used to describe someone who is being persistent, annoying, or difficult.

    • "He's barking like a dog at the moon." (Meaning: He’s constantly complaining.)
    • "Stop being such a dog and let me finish my sentence!" (Meaning: Stop being so persistent/annoying.)

  • "Dog-eat-dog": This phrase describes a competitive and ruthless environment where people are willing to do anything to succeed, often at the expense of others.

    • "The business world can be a dog-eat-dog place."

4. Other Uses (Less Common):

  • "Dog-tired": Extremely tired. (Origin: From the idea of a dog needing to rest after a tiring day.)

    • “I’m dog-tired after that hike!”

  • "Dogmatism": Unquestioning acceptance of beliefs. (Relates to the idea of a dog rigidly following commands.)

Tips for Using "Dog" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "dog" depends entirely on the context of the sentence.
  • Be aware of slang: Understand that using "dog" to mean "guy" is informal and can be perceived differently by different people.
  • Consider your audience: Use the formal definition unless you're deliberately trying to be casual and comfortable with the person you're speaking to.

Resources to Learn More:

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  • Explain how the slang usage might be perceived differently in different cultures?
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Synonyms for the word dog

Idioms of the word dog

be raining cats and dogs
(informal)to be raining heavily
    a dog and pony show
    (North American English, informal, disapproving)an event that is planned only in order to impress people so that they will support or buy something
    • the dog and pony show of his visits to the war zone
    • a dog and pony show to sell the idea to investors
    (a case of) dog eat dog
    a situation in business, politics, etc. where there is a lot of competition and people are willing to harm each other in order to succeed
    • I'm afraid in this line of work it's a case of dog eat dog.
    • We're operating in a dog-eat-dog world.
    a dog in the manger
    a person who stops other people from enjoying something that the person cannot use or does not want themselves
      a dog’s breakfast/dinner
      (British English, informal)a thing that has been done badly
      • He's made a real dog's breakfast of these accounts.
      a dog’s life
      an unhappy life, full of problems or unfair treatment
      • He led his poor partner a dog's life.
      every dog has his/its day
      (saying)everyone has good luck or success at some point in their life
        give a dog a bad name
        (saying)when a person already has a bad reputation, it is difficult to change it because others will continue to blame or suspect them
          go to the dogs
          (informal)to get into a very bad state
          • This firm's gone to the dogs since the new management took over.
          a/the hair of the dog (that bit you)
          (informal)alcohol that you drink in order to make you feel better when you have drunk too much alcohol the night before
            have a dog in the fight
            (informal)to be involved in a situation so that you will gain or lose according to the result
            • I really don't have a dog in this fight, so I can just enjoy the game.
            • The employees have a dog in the hunt, so their views should be listened to.
            let sleeping dogs lie
            (saying)to avoid mentioning a subject or something that happened in the past, in order to avoid any problems or arguments
              like a dog
              extremely hard
              • I've been working like a dog recently.
              in a very bad or cruel way
              • They treated him like a dog.
              like a dog with a bone
              (informal)very determined and refusing to give up
              • When she sensed a good story she was like a dog with a bone.
              not have a dog’s chance
              to have no chance at all
              • He hasn't a dog's chance of passing the exam.
              (as) sick as a dog
              (informal)feeling very sick; vomiting a lot
                the tail (is) wagging the dog
                used to describe a situation in which the most important aspect is being influenced and controlled by somebody/something that is not as important
                  (you can’t) teach an old dog new tricks
                  (saying)(you cannot) successfully make people change their ideas, methods of work, etc., when they have had them for a long time
                    throw somebody to the dogs
                    to allow somebody to suffer or be punished in an unfair way, as if they have no value
                    • Her boss collects a big retirement cheque while she is thrown to the dogs.
                    why keep a dog and bark yourself?
                    (informal, saying)if somebody can do a task for you, there is no point in doing it yourself

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