Dog Meaning
Dog Definition & Usage
A domesticated carnivorous mammal, scientifically known as Canis lupus familiaris, often kept as a pet or for work purposes such as herding, guarding, or hunting.
Examples
- "My dog loves playing fetch in the park."
- "She adopted a rescue dog from the shelter last week."
- "The dog barked loudly, alerting the family to the intruder."
- "We take our dog to the vet for regular check-ups."
- "The dog curled up on the couch, waiting for dinner."
An informal or sometimes derogatory term for a person, typically used in a negative or critical way to describe someone as unattractive, rude, or unpleasant.
Examples
- "Stop being such a dog, and show some respect."
- "He’s a real dog, always causing trouble wherever he goes."
- "I can’t believe she’s dating that dog."
- "She told him to stop acting like a dog and start taking responsibility."
- "The dog of a boss made the workplace miserable for everyone."
To pursue or harass someone persistently, often in a way that is unwelcome or aggressive.
Examples
- "He’s been dogging her for weeks, asking her out over and over."
- "The paparazzi are always dogging celebrities, trying to get a photo."
- "Stop dogging me about the report, I’m working on it!"
- "She accused him of dogging her during the meeting."
- "The media has been dogging the politician’s every move."
Cultural Context
Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and have had a wide range of roles in human society, including hunting, herding, guarding, and companionship. They are often referred to as 'man's best friend' due to their loyalty and usefulness. In popular culture, dogs are frequently featured in films, books, and stories as loyal and heroic characters. The slang usage of 'dog' has developed over time, often reflecting cultural attitudes about loyalty, attractiveness, and behavior.
The Dog That Wouldn't Quit
Story
The Dog That Wouldn't Quit
Jake had always been a dog person. He’d grown up with a golden retriever named Max, and they had shared countless memories from the time Jake was a boy to when he left for college. Now, in his early thirties, he was living in a small apartment in the city, but he missed the companionship of his furry friend. He had always wanted another dog, but the timing had never been right. One rainy afternoon, Jake visited a local animal shelter. That was where he met Daisy, a scrappy, energetic terrier mix with bright eyes and a mischievous grin. Daisy was everything he had hoped for in a dog—loyal, full of energy, and always ready for adventure. He adopted her on the spot. From day one, Daisy made her presence known. She followed Jake everywhere, from his morning coffee to his late-night reading sessions. She was a true 'dog' in every sense of the word—faithful, affectionate, and always eager to be by his side. Jake couldn't help but smile as she barked at the passing cars, trying to chase after them from the window. However, things weren't always so idyllic. One evening, Jake was working late when Daisy started barking incessantly. At first, he thought she was just being a 'dog', perhaps trying to protect him or get his attention. But the barking didn’t stop, and it soon became clear that something was wrong. After checking, Jake realized that Daisy had spotted a stray dog outside. In a fit of determination, Daisy was 'dogging' the stray—her nose pressed to the glass, barking relentlessly as if she could single-handedly protect the house from any threat. Jake laughed at the sight. Daisy’s antics might have been a little over-the-top, but she was still his loyal companion, just like Max had been all those years ago. As he turned back to his work, he thought about how dogs, no matter their breed or size, had a unique way of making life better. Sometimes they were just dogs, doing what dogs do, but other times, they were family. As Jake sat down to finish his report, Daisy curled up at his feet, finally quiet after her excitement. It was moments like these that made him appreciate the true meaning of a dog—a partner who never gave up, always by his side, no matter what.
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